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January jobs report: Unemployment rate falls to 4%, wages rise more than forecast; Trump signs order imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court over investigations of Israel; Ten Commandments in public schools debate reaches South Dakota; Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft; Mexican long-nosed bat makes appearance in Arizona.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi strikes a Trump tone at the Justice Department, federal workers get more time to consider buyouts, and an unclassified email request from the White House worries CIA vets.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

Groups provide new treatment options for postpartum depression

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Wednesday, October 2, 2024   

More new babies are born in the fall than any other time of year, which also means some new mothers may be heading into winter with what is sometimes called the "baby blues."

There are new treatment options in Mississippi and elsewhere, including a drug for severe postpartum depression called Zurzuvae. Experts said postpartum depression is more than just the fatigue and life changes that come with being a new parent.

Dr. Donna O'Shea, OB/GYN and chief medical officer for population health at UnitedHealthcare, advised those who are struggling not to suffer in silence.

"Any women with a history of anxiety or mood disorders or women who have a family history of depression or postpartum depression, that certainly places them at a higher risk for not just postpartum blues, but for actual postpartum depression," O'Shea explained.

In 2023, more than one in five women in Mississippi reported experiencing postpartum depression after giving birth, according to America's Health Rankings, which is almost double the national average. The numbers are higher among Native American, Asian and Black women.

A program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center matches people with mental health care providers to help them cope with the stress of being a new mom. The Child Access to Mental Health and Psychiatry, or "CHAMP for Moms" program, is funded by the U.S. Health Resources Services Administration and UnitedHealthcare.

Calandrea Taylor, project director of CHAMP for Moms, said Mississippi has the third-lowest ratio of behavioral health professionals to primary care providers.

"We have two goals of the grant," Taylor outlined. "To educate and to also provide access to psychiatry and mental health through consultation."

O'Shea pointed out people from marginalized communities are affected more often by the "baby blues."

"Women are also at increased risk if they're from under-resourced communities," O'Shea emphasized. "There are some women who have little or no social support and if someone has a history or is currently using substances, they will face higher risks."

Disclosure: UnitedHealthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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