UCM student published for nursing article

The University Center of the Mountains honors Ashley Cook for the article she had published in the Kentucky Nurse Jan/Feb/March 2013 issue. Cook is a 2009 graduate of HCTC s nursing program, and she is currently enrolled through the UCM in EKU s RN-BSN program.

The article is titled Review of a Research Report on Postpartum Depression Impacted by Home Health Visits. Mrs. Cook selected this topic because of its relevance. Postpartum depression is very real, and it is commonly faced by many eastern Kentucky mothers, she explained. Postpartum depression is an issue hidden by a lot of mothers because they simply do not know what to do. The misconception is that it is in one s head or the individual should know how to deal with it. Many new mothers do not recognize that it is a genuine medical condition. Mrs. Cook s review of the research on postpartum depression looks at Japanese culture where new mothers stay with their mothers and family for at least a month after the birth of a child. Cook points out that the culture recognizes the need for additional, longer-term family support and even intervention to assist the woman s transition into the role of motherhood. The article provides a model of care and suggested implications for future practice in the US, Mrs. Cook stated.

Cook is a 2005 Graduate of Whitesburg High School. Besides being enrolled full-time, Mrs. Cook works part-time for the Jenkins Family Clinic. She and her husband have a 2-year-old daughter.