THE RISK OF UNTREATED POSTPARTUM IN THE JEWISH COMMUNITY

I had written before about the critical condition of postpartum depression that many women are likely to suffer after childbearing regardless of nationality, social status and religious background.

I just want to emphasize more on the necessity of this condition to be treated, especially in the Jewish community where the birth rate is high and many women suffer silently from PPD.

Postpartum depression can affect a woman’s well being for a long time after childbirth and if not treated it can develop into a lifelong thyroid condition.

So, I urge all ladies to be attentive to their health before and after childbirth and be aware of any unusual symptoms that one might be feeling such as to name few: excessive sadness, uncontrollable crying, lack of interest in the baby, confusion, anxiety, total exhaustion or severe fatigue, feeling of guilty, disturbances of sleep, mood swings up and downs…

But, if these symptoms don’t get treated it can become a much worst condition, and it’s a mistake that many women leave it untreated and undiagnosed.

It’s important to note that problems untreated after childbirth is likely to become a thyroid problem during life and be triggered in a future pregnancy, menopause or a general stressful time.

If you know somebody who might be suffering from PPD, you can contact the non-profit organization SPARKS whose primary mission is to help women in the Jewish community to overcome this condition.

SPARKS is doing a terrific job in helping women in the community, yet it survives solely on donations; therefore this a great Tzedakah cause that everyone can contribute due to its worthy cause which is the Yiddish mama’s cause.

Check SPARKS’s website: http://sparkscenter.org/about.htm or click on the title to be redirected.

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION IN THE JEWISH COMMUNITY

The importance of prevention and treatment - reaching for help

By Carine

Postpartum depression (PPD) also known as postnatal depression affects a large amount of women after giving birth to a child – yet many people are unaware of its symptoms and serious risks.

Many new mothers might experience a variety of emotions after childbirth; some may experience anxiety, excitement, others baby blues; but, some will experience a more severe sadness which is known as postpartum depression.

The matter of the fact is that it’s a very serious issue; and it should be taken with lots of precaution – especially in the Frum Jewish community - as the higher the birth rate in a community is, the higher are the chances of that group of women experience postpartum depression.

The percentage of risk in the Frum community is really high and many young couples aren’t familiar with the challenges of parenthood, and when facing the intricacies of human care, it can be too overwhelming.

Besides the devastating sufferings originated from PPD; many Frum women might feel guilty, embarrassed and ashamed to reach out for proper professional help.

Undoubtedly, Frum mothers bear full responsibilities to bring loving and healthy children up and therefore this overwhelming task can trigger easily new mothers into postpartum depression – causing a lot of suffering to families and especially husbands who don’t know how to handle the situation.

We all know the important role that Jewish mothers play to the very continuity of the Jewish Nation – the “Yiddish Mama” is the pillar of every generation – so, from this perspective itself, we all should be aware of how challenging this role can be for new mothers and in general to mothers of many young children!

Frum women shouldn’t feel embarrassed, in other words, they should reach for the proper help; be it as prevention or a treatment.

That’s why by realizing the great challenges and importance of the health of Jewish women – Esther Kenigsberg in a selfless mission to help the community has founded a non profit organization in the heart of Borough Park called SPARKS dedicated to help mothers and their families with awareness, relief, knowledge and support.

Sparks is made up of mostly Frum volunteers and highly qualified doctors who are well trained to help Jewish families overcome the obstacle of childbearing depression and secure the health, happiness, joy and the most important of all the continuity of the Jewish Nation.

Sparks organization’s mitzvah is enormous and plays a decisive role in the lives of our community members – that’s why in times of darkness, let us see the obstacles and fight it with the right weapon of chessed.

Due to their dedication to help their fellow brethren, regardless of affiliation, level of Yiddishkeit and social status, is the reason that I write about their mission.

If you are not aware of postpartum depression symptoms, risks and complications you can check SPARKS’s website: http://sparkscenter.org/about.htm - Thus, if you know somebody that is suffering, don’t be shy and contact them. If possible, you can also donate for this cause, since it’s a cause that involves the very birth of Jewish souls.

Ps: By clicking on this text tittle, you will be redirected to their informative website.