Laray Dyer

Obstetrics: “Do You Know that You’re Depressed?” I remember my 6-week postpartum visit like it was yesterday.When my physician entered the room, I began to cry. He warmly greeted me and helped me unpack some of my feelings and concerns. He then gave me a questionnaire.Upon completion, he said, “Your score is terrible!  Do you know that you’re depressed?”  He confirmed what I already knew; I was in no condition to return to work.

Nationally, postpartum depression (PPD) affects 31% of white mothers; and disproportionately affects 44% of African American mothers (a higher rate than any other group).Often undiagnosed, PPD can feel like extreme fatigue.Holiday madness worsens this silent epidemic. To raise awareness, I will host a Virtual Wellness Retreat entitled “Super Mom.Super Wife.Super Tired.” on Sunday, November 14, 2021.This event is FREE and open to the public.

Courtesy of Dr. Jessica Shepherd Jessica Shepherd, an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) and women’s health expert located in Texas, points out that for Black mothers, especially those experiencing high-risk pregnancies coupled with chronic illnesses the visitation limits reduce risks by decreasing virus exposure. This includes diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.