FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Derek Saker,
Director of Communications
OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services
dsaker@ohelfamily.org
347-920-0199

Meeting the Challenge of Postpartum Depression: OHEL Presents Forum for Community Professionals

By: Arlene Etengoff

The birth of a child brings celebration and joy, but for some mothers, it can bring extremes of other emotions as well. Mothers who feel depressed or anxious after the birth of a child often feel guilty, inadequate or ashamed, and as a result, may be reluctant to seek the help they need.  Without proper support and treatment, they and their families may experience serious and far-reaching effects. 

OHEL’s Commitment to Addressing the Challenge 

In response to the significant human costs of Perinatal Mood Disorders, OHEL recently sponsored an advanced training for community professionals to ensure our community has the resources to effectively address this challenge. On January 13th, The Mel and Phyllis Zachter Ohel Institute for Training offered an intensive, skill-building workshop for experienced mental health, social service, medical and rabbinic professionals. Featuring presenters with the highest level of expertise, the comprehensive curriculum  provided valuable insights and problem-solving strategies based on the latest research and clinical findings.  

Key Issues Presented by Experts in the Field

Cheryl Zauderer, PhD, CNM, NPP, Professor of Nursing at New York Institute of Technology, shared her clinical expertise in a discussion of the pregnancy, birth and other risk factors that can predispose a mother to postpartum depression and anxiety. Michelle Friedman, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Mt. Sinai Hospital and Medical Center, discussed assessment and treatment of Perinatal Mood Disorders, and provided valuable insights into cultural issues in the orthodox Jewish community that impact postpartum adjustment and treatment. The far-reaching implications of Perinatal Mood Disorders for mother-child interaction, attachment, and child development were addressed by Sandra R. Wolkoff, LCSW-R, Director of the Marks Family Right from the Start 0-3+ Center, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center.  Sonia Murdock, co-Founder and Executive Director of the Postpartum Resource Center of New York, shared her expertise with participants in a discussion of resources and safety nets that communities can build to help families find hope and healing through social support. 

Find Out More…

For more information about further educational opportunities offered by The Mel and Phyllis Zachter Ohel Institute for Training, see OHEL’s  website at www.ohelfamily.org, or call at 718-851-6300. 

OHEL Children's Home and Family Services, which incorporates Bais Ezra and The Lifetime Care Foundation, is a pioneering social services agency that delivers a breadth of innovative programs and services for individuals and families at risk, and individuals with developmental or psychiatric disabilities, in both residential and out-patient settings. Founded in 1969 and with close to 100 residences, apartments, and over 30 diverse programs, OHEL services have been consistently ranked #1 by New York City. Touching the lives of thousands of individuals at every stage, and every day, OHEL’s professional services are available throughout New York, New Jersey and South Florida. These services include Housing, Foster Care, Out-Patient Counseling, At Home Based Services, School Based Services, Abuse Services, and Camps.