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Anonymous

First let me state that I am a mother of 3 boys and I am very aware and have experienced feelings of sadness and overwhelm directly after the birth of my boys - especially with my first 2 children. What helped me with these depressed feelings were proper nutrition and assistance from my husband in taking care of certain tasks so I could concentrate on my children. It is a very well known fact that much of the negative feelings we mothers experience come from an overabundance and then rapid depletion of hormones and nutrients associated with pregnancy and breast-feeding. That is why nutrition is so important and that is why pregnant mothers and new mothers should receive care from competent doctors properly trained in nutrition as well as proper regard in the home.

I read the act Ms. Dowd. While it does not overtly state that it is promoting medication, under "Title II - Delivery of Servicies - Activities" it is written: "Eligible activities include delivering or enhancing outpatient, inpatient and home-based health and support services, including case management and comprehensive treatment services for individuals with or at risk for postpartum conditions."

How can you then say that the Act "specifically does not fund medication?" Mental health treatment of postpartum depression includes anti-depressants along with counseling. So yes - the act does not overtly market drugs to mothers but covertly it does. It also is promoting screening - "Requires the Secretary of the HHS to conduct study on the benefits of screening for postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis." That isn't even subtle.

I am also a professional woman who was trained in pharmaceuticals. I am very aware of the dangers of anti-depressants and am not misled by clever marketing. I am also very aware of the potential for this bill to be used to market anti-depressants to pregnant women and new mothers. This bill will make it easier for mothers to be labeled as mentally ill which will create demand. Please note that I am not in anyway discounting the feelings of depression that a mother may experience but it is disingenuous for you to try to discredit a woman like me into a generality and dismiss my concerns about this bill without inspection.

Frankly, you either didn't read this bill or you are also part of the marketing ploy.

I don't want my tax dollars used to abuse women and engorge the treasure chests of the pharmaceutical industry which are already burgeoning with booty. This bill will worsen our already overmedicated society and there are already lots of medical studies on the books that contradict the theory behind this.

I, for one, will do everything in my power to stop this bill from coming into being.

Sincerely,
Muriel

April 8, 2009 - 9:26pm

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