Postpartum Support Groups in South East Michigan

It is said that an estimated 10% of women will experience a more severe form of depression after giving birth. It is called postpartum depression. The causes of postpartum depression can be many factors. According to the mayoclinic.com, such factors, are physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes. I saw a friend of mine, go through postpartum depression of mood swings, crying, depressed, and wanted nothing to do with her baby. She was withdrawn, and began to isolate herself. She needed help, and we got it for her. Soon, she had begun to enjoy her little one, as any mother should. Besides the treatment with medication, and Therapy with a counselor, support groups offer the extra help we need to get back onto our feet. What can happen if you do not treat postpartum depression? Postpartum depression "can interfere with mother-child bonding and cause family distress. If the signs and symptoms of depression don't fade after a few weeks or if they're so severe that they interfere with your ability to complete everyday tasks, call your doctor ₁"

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression:

Loss of appetite

Insomnia

Intense irritability and anger

Overwhelming fatigue

Loss of interest in sex

Lack of joy in life

Feelings of shame, guilt or inadequacy

Severe mood swings

Difficulty bonding with the baby

Withdrawal from family and friends

Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby

In Michigan, where can you get help? Beaumont's Parenting Program Groups, and the Tree of Hope Foundation. Both support groups offer services free of charge. The schedules are as follows for the different locations throughout Metro Detroit area.

Beaumont's Parenting Program Group Meetings (248) 551-1455

MONDAY: 7 P.M.- 8:30 P.M. Oakland Macomb Obstetrics and Gynecology, P.C., Wellpointe Building, 1701 South Boulevard East, Suite 200, Rochester Hills, 48307 (M59 and Dequindre)

TUESDAY: 10 A.M.-11:30 A.M. National City Center, 755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084 (between Livernois & Crooks) 2nd floor, Community Education classroom. Suite 249

WEDNESDAY 7P.M. - 8:30 P.M. Beaumont Medical Building, 6900 Orchard Lake Road, Room 311, West Bloomfield, 48322 ( N of 14 mile)

The Tree of Hope Foundation Meeting (586)777-3670

Thursday 7P.M.- 8:00 P.M. St. Joan of Arc Parish Center, 22412 Overlake Dr, St. Clair Shores

(North of 8 Mile and east of Greater Mack)

As I spoke to the Postpartum Adjustment Coordinator, of Beaumont, she explained to me, that the people who seek help, are welcomed, into a open comforting environment. The program is Moms helping Moms. There is snacks provided by The Tree of Hope, and bottled water, so the setting is a more relaxed atmosphere. Some people will attend one time, others have come back for several weeks. The key is, they are there for you, when you need someone, to understand and offer answers to your questions. And everyone is always welcomed back each time, with same warmth and understanding as the first. The time it will take for one to recover, varies upon individuals. As always, with Beaumonts Hospitals and services, they are on top of caring, and the understanding of the patients needs, is one reason why I highly recommend their programs to anyone. On the Tree of Hope Foundation website, there is additional links for postpartum depression, and links for men as well.

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