Post partum

• Depression After Delivery, Inc.

  Depression After Delivery, Inc. is a national, nonprofit organization founded in 1985 by Nancy Berchtold after experiencing her own postpartum complications. The corporation was formed to provide support for women with postpartum depression. It has expanded its focus to include education, information, and referral for women and families coping with mental health issues associated with childbearing, both during pregnancy and postpartum. When you reach out to this organization, they will send you information on pregnancy and postpartum disorders, a professional referral list, a list of volunteer telephone contacts and support groups.

• Postpartum Support International

  This organization has developed an educational website to help new parents. They provide an introduction to postpartum illness (an essay on cause, symptoms, prevention and treatment), support group information, a post partum prevention guide for pregnant and new mothers, a quick self-assessment survey, advice on how to cope and avoid anxiety and panic, a postpartum bookstore and video center as well as postpartum chat rooms, web links and bulletin boards.

• Postpartum Education for Parents

  PEP was founded in 1977 by a group of mothers to offer each other support after the births of their children. PEP is a non-profit, all-volunteer corporation staffed entirely by trained parent volunteers. PEP believes that there is no one right way to parent and that parental confidence increases by learning basic parenting skills and sharing concerns with others. PEP offers numerous programs and services, information and support. Visit their website for more information.

• American Academy of Pediatrics

  This organization believes in the inherent worth of all children and that our children deserve optimum health and require the highest quality health care. Pediatricians (primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists) are the best qualified of all health professionals to provide child health care. The American Academy of Pediatrics exists to attain optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Their website offers education, current news and information, and numerous resources and related web links.

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

  The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is a national medical organization representing over 40,000 physicians who provide health care for women. This site offers information to women on a variety of health issues, in addition to current health related news releases and legislative news. If you've just relocated, ACOG's physician directory will help you search for a Board Certified OBGYN in your area.

• Food and Drug Administration

  The FDA ensures that the food we eat is safe and wholesome, that the cosmetics we use won't harm us, and that medicines, medical devices, and radiation-emitting consumer products such as microwave ovens are safe and effective. FDA also oversees feed and drugs for pets and farm animals. The FDA's responsibilities include serving as a channel through which patient issues and viewpoints can be brought to the attention of the extensive FDA medical and regulatory staff. The FDA staff ensure a comprehensive and timely response to individuals with questions and concerns related to health issues. This site is a wealth of information and includes a MedWatch section which discusses safety issues involving medical products and medications.

• National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

  The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) seeks to assure that every individual is born healthy, is born wanted, and has the opportunity to fulfill his or her potential for a healthy and productive life unhampered by disease or disability. One responsibility of the NICHD is to disseminate information from the Institute research programs to researchers, practitioners, and to the general public. Visit this site for more information.