The author of this article contacted me as well but I did not have an opportunity to speak with her. After reading the piece, it seems that it would not have mattered if I had.
As a mother who has survived two episodes of Postpartum OCD (one untreated due to physician ignorance, one somewhat treated), I stand in full support of the MOTHER'S Act.
Why?
Because I've read the bill. Because I've survived ignorance, stigma, and physician inadequacy. I've come to know compassion, understanding and what it means to to reach behind me in order to provide what I so desperately hoped for while I lost in the dark hold of postpartum depression.
As a peer advocate and supporter for women with Postpartum Mood Disorders, I often have mothers approach me requesting information for natural treatments. And you know what? I provide them with that information. I passionately believe in supporting mothers as they journey on their road and make decisions that are right for THEM and their families regardless of what those choices may be. It is not up to me to pass judgement or scare them/shame them into choosing certain types of treatment. To do so would be irresponsible and unethical. It is up to their private discussion with their physician. The most I can do is to guide them towards research (either negative or positive) which will allow them to then make their own informed decision about their treatment.
It is absolutely tragic that a piece of legislation capable of providing so much hope and support to American Mothers has become a pawn of the anti-PHARMA movement. I have no doubt that as the facts regarding the history of the MOTHER'S Act and the potential life-saving value it's implementation carries for Mothers in the US are uncovered by more and more, the argument against this legislation will fade into the darkness.
New families deserve support. Struggling moms don't need to be shamed into remaining silent. They need to be EmpowHered to speak up, speak out, and be confident that their physician will know what they are doing. No mother needs to garner their confidence to admit something isn't quite right only to be shut down or improperly treated. This is WHY the MOTHERS ACT needs to be passed.
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Susan -
So absolutely wonderfully stated.
The author of this article contacted me as well but I did not have an opportunity to speak with her. After reading the piece, it seems that it would not have mattered if I had.
As a mother who has survived two episodes of Postpartum OCD (one untreated due to physician ignorance, one somewhat treated), I stand in full support of the MOTHER'S Act.
Why?
Because I've read the bill. Because I've survived ignorance, stigma, and physician inadequacy. I've come to know compassion, understanding and what it means to to reach behind me in order to provide what I so desperately hoped for while I lost in the dark hold of postpartum depression.
As a peer advocate and supporter for women with Postpartum Mood Disorders, I often have mothers approach me requesting information for natural treatments. And you know what? I provide them with that information. I passionately believe in supporting mothers as they journey on their road and make decisions that are right for THEM and their families regardless of what those choices may be. It is not up to me to pass judgement or scare them/shame them into choosing certain types of treatment. To do so would be irresponsible and unethical. It is up to their private discussion with their physician. The most I can do is to guide them towards research (either negative or positive) which will allow them to then make their own informed decision about their treatment.
It is absolutely tragic that a piece of legislation capable of providing so much hope and support to American Mothers has become a pawn of the anti-PHARMA movement. I have no doubt that as the facts regarding the history of the MOTHER'S Act and the potential life-saving value it's implementation carries for Mothers in the US are uncovered by more and more, the argument against this legislation will fade into the darkness.
New families deserve support. Struggling moms don't need to be shamed into remaining silent. They need to be EmpowHered to speak up, speak out, and be confident that their physician will know what they are doing. No mother needs to garner their confidence to admit something isn't quite right only to be shut down or improperly treated. This is WHY the MOTHERS ACT needs to be passed.
Warmest,
July 16, 2009 - 7:21pmLauren Hale
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