Governor Cuomo Signs Maternal Depression Bill
New law will increase screening for PPD and other postpartum mood disorders
New York State has taken a huge step forward in supporting women and families today. Governor Cuomo just signed into law the Maternal Depression Screening bill, which will provide much-needed support for women experiencing depression during pregnancy and the early postpartum period. The bill provides screening guidelines and referral resources to health care practitioners — such as OB/GYNs, midwives, and pediatricians — who encounter women in the first year after giving birth.
Today's signing is possible largely because of the work of one advocate, Paige Bellenbaum. A PPD survivor, social worker, and mother to two, Paige effectively organized a broad group of supporters to advocate for the bill’s creation and signing, and we are grateful for her dedication and commitment to improving mental health care for mothers.
Over the next months the Seleni Institute will act in partnership with other New York-based organizations to coordinate the training and referral programs needed to implement this bill. We are all working toward a day when the diagnosis and effective treatment of maternal depression is considered part of providing comprehensive health care to women and families.
Seleni is one of only a few organizations in the United States offering specialized training in treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), and it's the only training that includes in-depth instruction on treating perinatal loss.
At the Seleni Institute, we focus on destigmatizing mental illness. And, because 90% of those who die by suicide have a mental illness that has not been diagnosed or that has not been adequately treated, it is imperative that we understand and support all, including mothers, who are suffering with suicidal ideation.
Building bridges with others can be transformative and restorative and can remind a new mother that she is not alone. And, these affective connections can strengthen her understanding that she can be cherished, loved, and soothed and, therefore, that she can cherish, love, and soothe.
Pediatricians are in a powerful position to strengthen the mental health of the whole family.
Novel medication could provide faster – and better – relief than antidepressants
Professional treatment helps and women should be supported in seeking it
Many insurance plans will be required to cover perinatal depression screening
Let's all join this critical conversation
Women deserve complete information to make these important medical decisions
New law will increase screening for PPD and other postpartum mood disorders