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The birth of a child is a sacred and cherished event. The weeks and months that follow are a whirlwind of joy and anxiety for new mothers. But there are times when dark thoughts persist. Some mothers suffer negative emotions, constant crying, and difficulty establishing attachment to the baby. Between 10 to 15 percent of women get postpartum depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Studies by the University of North Carolina suggest Native American women experience even more instances of postpartum depression than other populations. How does postpartum depression effect children, families and Native communities? Are Native American mothers getting the help they need when experiencing postpartum depression?
Guests:
Dr. Elise Leonard — chief of mental health at the Phoenix Indian Medical Center
Dr. Patrisia Gonzales (Kickapoo, Comanche, Nahua) — associate professor at the University of Arizona, traditional birth attendant and author of “Red Medicine: Traditional Indigenous Rights of Birthing and Healing”
Break Music: Tapwe Oma (song) Fawn Wood (artist) Iskwewak (album)
