Our approach to postpartum depression care

Postpartum depression is a serious medical condition that can profoundly affect your well-being and your ability to care for yourself and your baby. We understand that this can be a frightening and overwhelming time, and we are committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive care to help you overcome this challenge.

Our team of experienced professionals will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and concerns, ensuring that you receive the support you need to recover fully and enjoy your time with your new baby.

Signs and symptoms of postpartum depression

Postpartum depression seems to be triggered by the changes in hormone levels that happen after pregnancy. Symptoms start in the weeks to months after childbirth, miscarriage or stillbirth. Some things can increase your chances of getting it, such as having depression in the past, not having good support, or having a lot of other stress.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, reach out to your doctor for an evaluation:

• feeling very sad or hopeless
• losing pleasure in life
• trouble sleeping or poor appetite
• sleeping too much or not enough
• feeling restless and not being able to sit still
• feeling unusually tired or having no energy
• feeling unworthy or guilty
• finding it hard to focus, remember things or make decisions

When to seek care

If you have at least five of the above symptoms for two weeks or longer, and one of the symptoms is either sadness or loss of interest, you may have depression and may need treatment. Even if you have fewer symptoms, you may still be depressed and may benefit from treatment.

Remember that postpartum depression is common and treatable. If you’re struggling, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. With the right support, you can recover fully and enjoy your time with your new baby.

Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if:

• You or someone you know is thinking seriously about or has attempted suicide.
• You have decided how to kill yourself, such as with a weapon or medicines.
• You have set a time and place to do it.
• You think there is no other way to solve the problem or end the pain.
• You feel you will hurt yourself, your baby or someone else.

Call a doctor now if:

• You hear voices.
• You have been thinking about death or suicide a lot, but you don't have a plan to harm yourself.
• You’re worried that your feelings of depression or thoughts of suicide aren't going away.
• You’ve been treated for depression for more than three weeks, but you’re not getting better.

Our steps to postpartum depression diagnosis

Postpartum depression can feel overwhelming. Know that our experts are here to support you on your journey to diagnosis.

Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam and a conversation with your doctor about your symptoms. When you meet with your doctor, it’s helpful to be:

• Honest: Tell your doctor how you're feeling, even if you're embarrassed.
• Thorough: Your doctor will want to know about your symptoms, your medical history and any family history of mental illness.
• Patient: It may take some time for your doctor to diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan.

The process of diagnosis will usually include:

• a physical exam to check your overall health and look for signs of depression
• a psychiatric evaluation during which we’ll ask about your mood, thoughts and behavior
• lab tests to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms

Treatments for postpartum depression

We take an individualized approach to your postpartum care, taking into account your unique symptoms, risks and preferences. Our goal is to effectively manage your postpartum depression and help you feel your best.

Our treatment options include:

• Counseling: Therapy can help you process your emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and learn how to manage stress.
• Antidepressant medication: Medication can help alleviate the symptoms of depression and improve your mood.
• Lifestyle changes: Eating well, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can all help improve your mental health.
• Support from family and friends: Having a strong support system can make a big difference in your recovery.

We understand that postpartum depression can be a difficult experience, and we are here to help.

Tests for postpartum depression

• physical exam
• psychiatric evaluation
• lab tests