City has first in-patient unit to treat postpartum depression

Northwell Health opened New York City's first inpatient perinatal psychiatry unit at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks to treat women living with perinatal or postpartum depression, as well as anxiety or mood disorders.

"New York City is now home to a unit focused exclusively on new or expecting moms who require acute inpatient care," said First Lady Chirlane McCray, who attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week. "Acute is also a good way to describe how greatly we needed a unit like this."

The 20-bed unit is only the third of its kind in the United States, joining others in North Carolina and California. The staff that has been specifically trained in the management of prenatal psychiatric patients.

Dr. Amanda Tinkelman, medical director of the new program, said their mission is healthy moms and healthy babies.

"We know with the right treatment women can feel better," Tinkelman said. "Supporting women's mental health through this critical period is a deeply valued mission."

For New York City, the new unit will help address an ambitious goal that McCray announced in November 2015 to treat all pregnant women and new mothers for maternal depression.

"One in five New Yorkers are dealing with a mental health condition, and pregnant women and new moms are not immune," she said. "In fact, they are uniquely vulnerable."

McCray said some women already have an existing mental health condition they have to learn how to treat along with motherhood, while others develop new conditions due to the stress of pregnancy or motherhood. She also noted that postpartum depression is far more common than most are aware.

"Studies suggest one in 10 suffer from it, but we know that number is probably much greater," she said. "Here in New York, that means at least 12,000 to 15,000 cases a year."

"Even though these cases are so common, women are reluctant to seek help because no one wants to be labeled as a bad mom, especially at a moment that's supposed to be the most joyous moment of your life," she added. "As a result, many women suffer in silence."

Tamara Oliver, a 48-year-old Long Island resident, was treated at Northwell Hospital for postpartum depression after she gave birth to triplets.

"It just was hard," she said. "It seemed like from the moment they said 'it's triplets' the light flicked on and there I was. I remember crying in the delivery room, thinking 'I should be happy, I'm supposed to be happy.'"

When she went to the doctor, Oliver's husband mentioned she was crying a lot, and the doctor instantly told them "we're going to get her some help."

"He sent me to Zucker," Oliver said. "I remember the day I walked in there, I think I cried the whole session because I couldn't understand why I wasn't happy. But as the therapy progressed, and as the time progressed, I was given the tools."