I am not a psychiatrist, and my degree in Social Work is not adequate to deal with this subject in a professional way, however, I would also like to add my somments on the diagnosis of PPD. It seems to have become a "catchall phrase" for anyone who has children and is overwhelmed. The other day I was at a mom's home. She was dealing with: * Living in a mobile home with her husband and three children plus a newborn * Her recently widowed sister and two children have moved in during the last months of her pregnancy * They are undocumented, so there her husband's employment is erratic and they are not eligible for any financial aid. * The entire family has limited groceries, and the food is mostly given to the children and the working husband. * She delivered a baby who was very tiny and would not latch on well. * You see very little facial expression. Is SHE suffering from PPD or "overwhelmed"? Another mom - * Trying to break a drug habit * Living in a motel which requires she move every 29 days so that she is not considered a "renter" * No cooking facilities other than an illegal microwave. (not allowed by the motel). * Baby has been transferred to a hospital that requires her to spend $15 and 2 hours in public transportation each way. * Nurses at the NICU criticise her that she doesn't "visit often enough" and is not pumping enough. * You see her crying a lot. Is this PPD? Those are the families I visit with the Public Health Nurses. I worry that when these moms are referred, the "easy" option is PPD and medication. What is really needed? Well - you can make your own decisions... Jeanette Panchula, BSW, LLLL, IBCLC, RN Vacaville, CA *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html