Having a baby is supposed to be the happiest time of your life. But what if it’s not? Each year, 1.3 million women in the U. S. struggle to find support and treatment for postpartum depression, anxiety, and other perinatal mood disorders. Two women, Jennifer Silliman and Maureen Fura, both with first hand knowledge of this challenge, came together to give a face and a voice to the countless women who suffer in silence. With the help of Dr. Shoshana Bennett, Executive Producer, they produced a documentary film, uncovering disconnects within the medical community to effectively screen, refer, and treat these women.
One in seven women will experience a pregnancy and postpartum mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD), and one in one thousand will suffer from postpartum psychosis. PMAD is more common than gestational diabetes or hypertension, making it the #1 medical complication related to childbearing, however, it is the one condition during pregnancy and postpartum that is most often under diagnosed by care providers.
“Nobody is asking any questions. Women are dying! Families are suffering! And there still isn’t a comprehensive policy to protect mothers,” says Fura, the film’s writer and director.
Therapists will be available during and after the film to provide support.
A panel discussion will be held following the film with opportunities for discussion with local therapists and parents who are recovering from PMAD.
Jennifer Golden, Licensed Clinical Social Psychotherapist
Gail Root, M.A., Pre & Perinatal Psychology & Health
Wendy Root Askew, Board of Supervisors Legislative Analyst and Infertility and Perinatal Anxiety Warrior
Chuck Barrett, Social Worker and Paternal Postpartum Anxiety Survivor
Alexa Snow, Birth Doula and Postpartum OCD and Depression Survivor
Local parents who are experiencing postpartum distress should know that they are not alone.