Beth brings a unique combination of sharp business expertise and women's health insight to her leadership of the organization. Beth has worked in the health care industry for more than 25 years helping to define and drive public education programs on a broad range of women's health issues. She launched and has expanded the HealthyWomen.org brand. As a result of her leadership, HealthyWomen was recognized as one of the top 100 women's health web sites by Forbes for three consecutive years, and was recognized by Oprah magazine as one of the top women's health web sites. HealthyWomen now connects to millions of women across the country through its wide program distribution and innovative use of technology.
Beth is responsible for the business development and strategic positioning of HealthyWomen. She creates partnerships with key health care professionals and consumer groups to provide strategic, engaging and informative award-winning programs. She serves as the organization's chief spokesperson, regularly participating in corporate, non-profit, community and media events. She also is a practicing nurse in maternal child health at Riverview Medical Center- Hackensack Meridian Health, in Red Bank, NJ.
In addition to her nursing degree, Beth holds degrees in political science, business and public administration from Marymount University.
To stay sane, she loves to run and compete in road races. She enjoys skiing and sailing with her husband and young son, and welcoming new babies into the world.
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While there are similarities between baby blues and PPD, there are major differences in the severity and duration of symptoms.
As a practicing maternal child health nurse, I come into contact with many moms before and right after delivery. I witness new mothers trying to navigate those first tired hours. I watch veteran moms introduce their newest member of the family to their other children. Each mom is unique and each relationship between mom and newborn is different, but all of these women are at risk for experiencing symptoms of "baby blues," which affects 80 percent of new mothers, and postpartum depression (PPD).
While there are similarities between baby blues and PPD, there are major differences in the severity and duration of symptoms. These symptoms can present themselves in many ways, at varying intensity and at different times during postpartum.
So how do you tell the difference between baby blues and PPD? If you're not sure if the symptoms you're experiencing are PPD, you need to visit your health care professional who may:
Take a look at the below signs and symptoms and take note if you're experiencing any of them. Bringing a list to your health care professional can help with determining if you're experiencing baby blues or postpartum depression.
Baby blues, which last for only a few days to maybe a week or two after giving birth, can include:
PPD includes some—if not all—of these symptoms, but they are more intense and last longer than the baby blues. They also may eventually interfere with your ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks including taking care of you.
Some of the main symptoms to watch out for are:
HealthyWomen recently conducted a survey, sponsored by Sage Therapeutics Inc., with more than 1,000 female respondents between the ages of 18 and 49 years old who are either pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The results showed 91 percent of the women surveyed agreed that there is a societal pressure on mothers to hide the struggles, anxieties and sadness that may accompany motherhood.
Let's all work to stop the stigma of PPD and openly discuss the challenges of postpartum depression–whether it's sharing how tired you are or something more serious that could be a sign of PPD. Again, I can't stress it enough: Speak to a health care professional if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, even if you think they're not a big deal. You are not alone and there are resources that can help you manage and get back to feeling like you and enjoying this special time.
To view more results for our recent survey, go here.
