Last week, The Portland Medium reported on a woman who gave birth to a baby on a downtown sidewalk. Police say the baby is doing better than well. Other media reported the police said the baby was thriving and healthy.
The baby girl and the family that is caring for her received supplies. The city donated those supplies via the PPB’s Central Precinct, Specialized Resources Division, Behavioral Health Unit, and Downtown Clean & Safe.
The original stories we wrote stated that the baby was born last Friday near Southwest 13th Avenue and Market Street. The mother gave birth then sadly walked away not wanting to deal with the fire rescue or hospital staff.
Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health problems in pregnancy. These affect about 10 to 15 out of every 100 pregnant women.
Recent studies suggest that up to 20% of women suffer from mood or anxiety disorders during pregnancy. Women with histories of psychiatric illness who discontinue psychotropic medications during pregnancy are particularly vulnerable. In a recent study of 82 women who maintained antidepressant treatment throughout pregnancy, 21 (26%) relapsed compared with 44 (68%) of the 65 women who discontinued medication.
