POSTPARTUM MOOD DISORDER STUDY

PARTICIPANTS NEEDED

 Are you at risk for a postpartum mood disorder?

I am recruiting women in their first pregnancy to participate in a study to look at the effect of taking placenta capsules on postpartum mood disorders. 

Participants must be:

·        Pregnant with their first baby

·        Pregnant with only one baby

·        Due before December 31, 2011

·        25-38 years old

·        Living with their partner during pregnancy and during the study period

·        Planning an out-of-hospital birth

·        At-risk for postpartum mood disorders, such as (but not limited to):

o   History of mental health problems in self or family

o   Family history of mood disorders

o   History of PMS or sensitivity to other hormonal shifts

·        Willing to volunteer their time for this study

At this time, I need  women who are at risk for postpartum mood disorders and will NOT be taking placenta capsules. 

Participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire prenatally, and at 3 days, 4 weeks, 8 weeks. 6 months, and one year postpartum.   A small incentive is provided for completing all the questionnaires.  Participants can opt out at any time, but your participation is greatly appreciated.

If you feel you may be at risk for a postpartum mood disorder and are interested in participating, or would like more information, please contact Carrie Kenner via email or  phone 206-725-7758.

     STUDY DESCRIPTION

The purpose of the Placenta Encapsulation/Postpartum Mood Disorders Research Study (‘PE/PPMD Study’ or ‘the Study’) is to determine the effects of taking encapsulated placenta during the postpartum period, and to guide further research in this area.  The Study focuses on the effects on Postpartum Mood Disorders, but will gather data on other effects as well.

The Study will consist of two groups – Group A elects to take their encapsulated placenta during their postpartum period, and Group B does not take encapsulated placenta.  We expect 20-25 women in each group.  Study participants will be selected based on the following criteria:

·         Pregnant with their first baby

·         Pregnant with only one baby

·         Due before December 31, 2011

·         Between the ages of 25-38

·         Have a live-in partner during pregnancy and during the study period,

·         Planning an out-of-hospital birth

·         At-risk for postpartum mood disorders, such as:

o   History of mental health problems in self or family

o   Family history of mood disorders

o   History of Anxiety Disorder in self or family

o   History of Premenstrual Syndrome or sensitivity to other hormonal shifts

·         Willing to volunteer their time for this study (no stipend is available)?

The Researchers will be assessing incidence and severity of the following conditions in both the target and control populations during their postpartum period:

Results will be measured by a combination of a self-administered industry-standard postpartum mood disorder assessment (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale 1 (EPDS)), plus a self-administered Study Questionnaire at Day 3 , Week 4, Week 8, 6 months and possibly 1 year postpartum.

All Study participants will be provided with information on postpartum mood disorders, and placenta encapsulation.  All Study participants will be voluntarily participating, and are not compensated for their participation (a small stipend is given for completing all the Questionnaires).  All Study participants sign an Agreement and a Consent form.  All Study participants are anonymous throughout the Study.

Placenta Encapsulation Information Sheet

Contact if you are interested in participating