Well, Daphne, actually, when I asked that question it was both because I'm
pulling together research for a paper, and mostly because The What To Expect
Foundation is now developing a "Family's First Year Basics"  health
literacy program for underserved new families that will address parents'
health literacy, and will also use cognitive behavorial therapy techniques
to help parents engage in their child's development and overcome perinatal -
and pershaps lifetime - depression. (It will continue our Baby Basics
Prenatal Health Literacy Program.)  As one of our advisors, the former
director of the Bellevue Hospital Pregnant and Parenting Teens program put
it, "our moms seem so affectless." Our job is to help them engage with their
child and see that their actions with their children have results.  How can
health literacy help?

Part of our thesis is that many many women (and men) living in poverty are
suffering from a generalized depression, that becomes pronouced during their
child's first year of life.  But that this is an extraordinarily "teachable
moment."   Teaching mothers and fathers health literacy skills during
pregnancy -  our evaluation shows --helps her engage in her healthcare.
Now, we are working to build a link between literacy/health
literacy education, child development and cognitive behavioral therapy
strategies -- focussing on a baby's first year of life as a time to support
the mother and father in their development as well as their child's
development.    A baby's development and a parent's development goes hand in
hand no matter class, race or social status.

Stay tuned, we should have at least the "Family's First Year" book and
curriculum finished by next spring.
(If you want to know more about the Baby Basics Prenatal Health Literacy
Program, feel free to email me directly for info.)  Thanks,

Lisa
--
Lisa Bernstein
Executive Director
The What To Expect Foundation
144 W. 80th Street
New York, NY 10024
212-712-9764
www.whattoexpect.org

Providing prenatal health and literacy support so that women in need know
what to expect when expecting.


On 8/11/07, Daphne Greenberg <alcdgg at langate.gsu.edu> wrote:

>

> M.B.

> Point well said. I wonder if perinatal depression is covered in any health

> literacy courses for adult learners? Does anyone on our list know of a

> curriculum that covers this aspect? Has anyone discussed this with their

> adult learners?

> Daphne

>

> >>> mary belcher <belcherkitty at shaw.ca> 08/10/07 2:40 PM >>>

> I'm not a Brooke Shields, but I was relieved that someone like her, who

> apparently lives the 'good life'  legitimized (in a healthy way through her

> book/appearances etc) that depression can happen to all kinds of women who

> are either new to motherhood, experienced mothers and who are the

> breadwinners as well as being the mainstay of emotional support for any age

> of child...It actually relieved some residual guilt that I've felt still

> about my battles with depression... someone that 'successful' could not use

> all the power and wealth at her disposal to outmanoevre the mental/emotional

> chaos caused by depression.

> M.B.

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: Lisa Bernstein

> To: The Poverty, Race, Women and Literacy Discussion List

> Cc: Eve Weiss

> Sent: Friday, August 10, 2007 8:07 AM

> Subject: [PovertyRaceWomen 973] Re: Job announcement

>

>

> Hi all, I wonder if I could get some advice, help guidance on current

> research.

>

> I'm looking for links between poverty and depression (specifically

> perinatal depression) and literacy skills and depression (I don't think

> anyone has studied literacy and perinatal depression.)

>

> Perinatal - pre and postpartum depression is finally gaining the attention

> and research it so desperately needs.  But much of the research and

> attention is going to the Brooke Shields of the world rather than our

> population.  I'm hoping to create some linkages as a call for research in

> the areas of poverty, literacy levels and perinatal depression.  If there's

> any research anyone on the list has done, or articles you think I should be

> sure to look at, or even a quote you would like to give me from your own

> anecdotal experience it would be VERY much appreciated.  Thanks all,

> Lisa

>

>

>

>

>

>

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-- 
Lisa Bernstein
Executive Director
The What To Expect Foundation
144 W. 80th Street
New York, NY 10024
212-712-9764
www.whattoexpect.org

Providing parenting health and literacy support so that families in need can
expect healthier pregnancies, safer deliveries and happier babies.
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