More information
Description
The project starts from the finding made by women who give birth on their own experience: the postpartum period is very challenging, even life challenging in normal times (like modern life), but especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, which imposed social distance as a safety measure. The pressure felt by women at individual level is even greater and the means of intervention (support from extended family, group of friends, access to specialized services) almost non-existent. Thus, not only the number of people affected by anxiety has increased in recent months, but also the number of women affected by postpartum depression, with
disabling effects on them, so much so that they can not take care of themselves or the newborn who’s life is depending on them. However, people affected by postpartum depression seems non-existent for the Romanian medical system. There is no prevention and access to treatment is hampered by the lack of information and support provided to new mothers.The project aims to bring to the attention of the public and the (health) system the issue of postpartum depression and the need to take appropriate measures. This will be done by organizing online meetings with specialists and women in the target group. Findings of a consultation campaign for women experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression (through online questionnaire) will help, along with the recommendations of specialists, to formulate a memorandum addressed to the Ministry of Health for an appropriate prevention and treatment program. At the same time, the project will provide specific support: 35 women will participate in a free specialized screening following which they will obtain recommendations from the therapist, and 20 of them will be included in a program of support groups.
Summary of project results
Postpartum depression (PPD) affects a large proportion of women who give birth and their condition has been exacerbated during the pandemic (due to anxiety to illness). The project aims to help this disadvantaged category, which can not benefit from programs, structures, protection measures through: - Protection against vulnerable groups, in this case women who have given birth and may suffer from postpartum depression, by applying the test for postpartum depression and organizing support groups for women at risk.
Within the project there have been organized meetings with specialists in fields related to motherhood and newborn (pediatricians, psychiatrists, family doctors, psychotherapists, breastfeeding consultants, postpartum doula). Those meetings have been published on the facebook page of the project, in order to reach a wider audience. Based on the discussions with the specialists, proposals were formulated for solutions and measures for prevention and intervention in case of postpartum depression. Those proposals were introduced in the memorandum that the project team sent to state institutions with responsibilities in the field: Ministry of Health, College of Psychologists, Presidency, Government, specialized commissions from the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.
The project was promoted in groups of women / mothers who were invited to participate in screening for postpartum depression (Edinburgh-specific test for postpartum depression). Based on the test results, individual recommendations were made by the psychotherapist and support groups were launched; - Awareness and advocacy, activities that aim to bring to the attention of the public and decision makers in the field the issue of postpartum depression and the need to adopt appropriate prevention and recovery measures.