Unfortunately, the causes of postpartum depression cannot be pinpointed. Many believe it is a combination of hormonal changes, social and psychological adjustments, and other environmental factors. This disorder is physical and is not self-induced by any means. As many women who have suffered from postpartum depression know, it is not something that they can just “get over.”

According to http://www.sbpep.org/ possible symptoms of Postpartum Depression include, but are not limited to:
• Exhaustion or insomnia
• Anxiety, tension, panic
• Irritability
• Hopelessness, tearfulness
• Poor concentration, memory loss
• Rapid mood swings
• Obsessions, frightening recurring thoughts
• Lack of enthusiasm
• Self-doubt, low self-esteem
• Eating disturbances
• Feeling distance/removed from or lack of love for baby and/or partner
• Thoughts of harming self and/or baby

If you think you or a loved one may be suffering from postpartum depression you should seek professional help. Postpartum depression is treatable. They type of treatment depends on the symptoms suffered and their severity.

Here are a few tips that can help alleviate some feelings of postpartum depression. First, become informed. Once you understand postpartum depression it will be much easier to treat it. After educating yourself on postpartum depression, reach out for support. It is important to share your feelings with a nonjudgmental person. There is plenty of support available both online and offline in the form of groups, publications, and events that are devoted to helping families deal with postpartum depression. A healthy diet, ample sleep, and exercise are also a key to success in fighting this disorder. If no improvement is seen, seek the help of a professional. Prescription medication can be given if needed.

Please know that if you are experiencing signs of postpartum depression, you are not alone. Many men and women suffer from postpartum depression, but that does not mean that they have to suffer silently. For your health and the health of your child, please seek treatment for postpartum depression. Do not hesitate to call if you have any questions or concerns about postpartum depression because as always, Stark Women’s Center is here for you!

Autism is present in 1 out of every 88 children in the U.S.  Autism is a complex disorder of brain development. It is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. Some forms of the disorder, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. It’s not uncommon for persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.

The most obvious signs of autism tend to emerge in children between 12 and 18 months of age.  Autism is 4 to 5 times more common among boys than girls.  In fact, 1 out of 54 boys and 1 out of 252 girls are diagnosed with autism in the U.S.  This condition affects more than the combined total of children affected by diabetes, AIDS, cancer, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and Down syndrome.

There are multiple types of autism, just like there are multiple causes of autism.  Many cases are due to rare gene changes or mutation of genes, while most are due to a complex and variable combination of environmental factors and genetic risk.  When scientists use the term “environment,” they are referring to a wide range of nongenetic factors. These environmental factors include the advanced age of the parents at the time the child was conceived, illness during pregnancy, premature birth, low birth weight, difficulties during birth, oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain, and the exposure of the mother to pesticides and air pollutions.  But, these environmental factors by themselves do not cause autism.  Increasing research suggests that mothers who took prenatal vitamins before and after conception lowered the risk for autism.  Further research indicates that there is no link between childhood vaccinations and autism.  With all this in mind, you should feel free to talk to your OBGYN about autism and the potential risk for it when considering pregnancy.

Each case of autism is unique, like the individual it affects.  Some cases show exceptional abilities in visual skills, music and academics.  Intellectual disability, or having an IQ of less than 70, affects about 40% of cases while many have normal to above average intelligence. Some are able to live independently, while others cannot.  About 25% of ASD are nonverbal, but can communicate in other ways.

Autism cannot be definitively diagnosed until 18 to 24 months of age, but signs may be exhibited as early as 8 to 12 months.  Symptoms may include the following:

• The baby does not make a back-and-forth sharing of sounds, there is a lack of smiles or other facial expressions by 9 months;
• The baby does not make babbling or back-and-forth gestures like pointing by 12 months;
• Any loss of babbling, speech or social skills at any age

If you suspect that your child may have or be at risk of having autism, contact your doctor.  Early diagnosis and intervention offer the best chance for improving function and maximizing a child’s progress and outcome.  Autism Speaks, an organization at the foundation of autism awareness,  has a mission to improve the lives of all those with autism, including the development and delivery of more effective treatments, addressing significant challenges in communication and physical health, and increasing acceptance, respect and support for the condition.  Do your part; help shine a light on autism!

Yes, you remember those awkward years, despite your best efforts to forget. For some of us it came too early, while the others that waited patiently were called “late bloomers.” So how do you approach the subject of puberty with your children? At what age should this discussion happen? How do you talk about it without scarring them for life? Undoubtedly your children will have questions of their own to ask you. If only the answers came out as quickly and easily as the questions did.

If you are one of the many parents who just do not know how to start such a conversation may we suggest using a book? There are a number of books out there geared toward your child and educating them about their changing bodies. Such titles as The Care and Keeping of You by Valorie Schaefer and The Boy’s Body Book: Everything You Need to Know Growing Up You by Kelli Dunham have proven popular among parents and preteens.

Some parents have no trouble approaching the topic while others are just as uncomfortable with it as the squirming child they will be talking to. Remember, if a child cannot turn to their parent for advice and comfort then who can they turn to? After it’s all said and done, both you and your child will be better off for it. They will be more comfortable with themselves and the idea of approaching you with concerns in the future.

In order to continue providing top notch care to our patients, we strive to improve ourselves in any way we can. The world of medicine is evolving in large strides, and as part of our dedication to our work and our patients, we at SWC try to evolve with such medical advancements every step of the way. We are changing in an effort to improve the care and service we provide. As one can see from the top of the line equipment and techniques used in our practice, we are finding innovative new ways to keep women not only healthy, but happy. Our renovation is a reflection of our commitment to them.

There are many times in a woman’s life when she may require the medical attention of an OBGYN professional. We want our patients to know that if and when they need help, we will be there; ready to provide the highest quality of compassionate care available. Here’s to a new year and a new SWC!