Postpartum Times

A quarterly newsletter of PSI of Washington

Fall 2007

Beyond the Birth Conference

More than 200 nurses, mental health therapists, midwives and other professionals attended PSI of WA's second annual conference, Beyond the Birth: Current Trends in Treating Perinatal & Postpartum Mood Disorders. Dozens of attendees received continuing education credits for participating in the all-day conference on Sept. 21 at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue.

"This conference helped spread the word about postpartum mood disorders to a wide variety of populations," said Juliana Nason Ashe, Washington State Coordinator for PSI. "A lot of people attended from rural areas, and this is where services are often lacking. One of my biggest hopes is that people came away from this conference with information to share with their colleagues and their communities about postpartum mood disorders and about the services PSI of WA can offer, including state-wide access to our phone line."

Besides lectures from some of the field's top experts, the conference also featured the PSI Memory Quilt of Postpartum Support International. The project began in 2001 to honor women who have died because of postpartum mood disorders. Their names are read aloud each year at Postpartum Support International's annual conference. The quilt made its debut in 2006 and travels to various events accompanied
by a book with stories about the women on the quilt.

Volunteer to Help Families

PSI of WA is recruiting volunteers. We have several Board of Director positions open. We also need Phone Volunteers, including those speaking fluent Spanish, to return calls to mothers and family members of those experiencing the effects of Postpartum Mood Disorders (PPMD).

We are seeking postpartum Support Group Facilitators in areas all around the state. Other important projects require attention as well, and PSI of WA welcomes those who wish to serve as Volunteers at Large, taking on various tasks as needed.

We highly encourage anyone wishing to serve families in need to contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Kathleen Pantoja , at kathleenpantoja@ppmdsupport.com to discuss volunteer opportunities and to request an application. You may also call 1-888-404-7763 to leave a message.

You are invited to this special benefit concert

featuring woman-centered music and artists.

717 First St., Snohomish

Musicians:

Kristin Connell, Rae Parks, Real Folk, Sean McGrath, Hanale, Rob Sandelin,

Peter Ali, Joe Goins, Laughing Women Belly Dancing

Also featuring: Doulas, postpartum support information, local support groups, businesses that support new mothers and families, original paintings, photography, cards, knitting,

clothing, slings, cloth diapers and jewelry.

For information and to buy tickets: www.mamarising.org

Become a Member

PSI of WA is a non-profit organization that provides personal support for women with postpartum mood disorders and their families. It strives to educate the public, families and health care practitioners about the nature and management of these disorders through conferences, networking and special publications.

Benefits of membership in PSI of WA include:

Quarterly PSI of WA e-newsletters
E-mail alerts of important PPMD-related community information
Opportunities to network with a wide variety of professionals working in related fields
The ability for Professional Members to apply to be listed in our professional directory for those demonstrating advanced training and experience with PPMD. This provider list is sent to numerous providers/agencies across the state, is used by volunteers on the support phone line to provide resources, and will be posted on the PSI of WA web site.

Members include a wide range of professionals working with families in their child-bearing years.

Membership is available at two levels: Professional ($100/year) and Supporting ($50/year). The membership year runs September through August, and annual renewal letters are sent to all members each July.

For more information about joining PSI of WA and postpartum mood disorders - including warning signs - see www.ppmdsupport.com or call the support line at 888-404-7763 (PPMD). Messages are checked regularly.

PSIad2 To advertise in or subscribe to Postpartum Times, please contact newsletter@ppmdsupport.com. The newsletter reaches more than 500 subscribers, and ads cost $100 for four online issues.

To make a tax-deductible donation, please send a check to PSI of WA, P.O. Box 15535, Seattle WA 98115.

All proceeds support families and provide resources for professionals.

PSIad1

Call 888-404-PPMD (7763)

PSI of WA volunteers return calls throughout the day to mothers, families and professionals seeking information, resources and support. Another free resource is at www.postpartum.net/info-sessions.html. It includes Q&A sessions with a professional therapist, facilitated by PSI at the international level. This tool is for clients, not professionals.

Order Brochures & Booklets

"Beyond the Birth: What No One Ever Talks About" booklets are available in English and Spanish. Cost is $6.50 per book, with discounts for larger orders. Free brochures are available in English with a description of PSI of WA's services, including the support line number. Call 888-404-PPMD (7763) to order.

Postpartum Support International of Washington | P.O. Box 15535 | Seattle | WA | 98115