Barb,

La Leche League has a tear off sheet entitled "Tips for handling the baby blues" by Dr. Nightingale.  It offers 23 suggestions for the new mother ranging from exercise to getting help if feelings persist.  One of the most important suggestions is #16 which encourages a mother to surround herself with other mothers. 

It may be a nice first step for an OB practice, to provide this handout to their patients.  Its important for new mothers to realize that 50-70% of new mothers experience a mild, temporary baby blues, not requiring medication.

This handout may give mothers the information and encouragement they need as they work through those first few weeks of emotional swings.

This does not address the OB's concern about mothers weaning in order to be prescribed antidepressants, but it may also avert many of those cases.

Hope this helps...
Linda Kingsley



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