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Saint Barnabas Medical Center Helps Raise Awareness about Postpartum Depression
Livingston, N.J. – To help raise awareness of Postpartum Depression (PPD) and help those new mothers who often suffer from the disorder in silence, Saint Barnabas Medical Center recently held a theatrical performance of a new play, In the Shadow of my Son. More than 100 members of the concerned public, including health care providers and physician from throughout Saint Barnabas Health Care System, attended the performance that speaks to the sense of lost self, lost power and shame that women with PPD experience. Mary Jo Codey, First Lady of New Jersey from 2004 through 2006 and the driving force behind New Jersey’s trailblazing PPD support law, presented opening remarks. Having suffered from PPD with both her pregnancies, Mrs. Codey helped launch a state-wide campaign, Recognizing Postpartum Depression: Speak Up When You’re Down. Drawing on the experiences of three such mothers, In the Shadow of my Son weaves a rich tapestry of excerpts from interviews, personal essays and novels to tell a compelling, entertaining story. Using five actresses, a theme of boxes and children’s items as props, it educates audiences while reassuring those suffering from the disorder that they are not alone - or crazy. Saint Barnabas Medical Center, which each year delivers more baby than any other hospital in New Jersey, has taken a leadership role for many years in providing proactive programs to support woman experiencing PPD. In response to New Jersey’s Postpartum Depression Laws, all mothers of new babies at Saint Barnabas Medical Center are screened for postpartum depression and receive educational information from the Family Centered Care nurses. In addition, the hospital sponsors a free weekly Postpartum Depression Support Group which it developed in collaboration with Mrs. Codey more than 10 years ago. Under the leadership of Lauren Meisels, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist, the group meets each Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Saint Barnabas Ambulatory Care Center, 200 South Orange Avenue in Livingston, across from the Livingston Mall. Registration is not necessary. Free childcare is available by calling (973) 322-7309 at least 24 hours in advance. Also available for women is a 24-hour PPD hotline, 1-800-300-0628, which is operated by the Saint Barnabas Health Care System Behavioral Health Network. March 23, 2007 CONTACT: PUBLIC RELATIONS (973) 322-9901
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