Post-Partum Depression Specialist

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression involves feelings of anxiety and sadness that are extreme or interfere with your ability to properly care for your family or yourself. 

Having the “baby blues” for a short time after giving birth is common, but postpartum depression can be severe and last longer than two weeks. Fortunately, simple treatments can help you feel like yourself once again.

What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?

If any of the following symptoms last longer than several weeks, you may have postpartum depression:

• A depressed mood that doesn’t go away
• Severe mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or anger
• Excessive crying
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Insomnia or restlessness
• Loss of appetite or eating more than usual
• Extreme fatigue
• Hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt, or shame
• Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
  
  

You might also experience a reduced ability to think clearly or have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.

What causes postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression often results from multiple factors. Hormone fluctuations, chemical changes within your brain, and lack of sleep likely play roles. So might stress, changes in your physical appearance, and lack of free time or social support.

Factors that increase your risk of postpartum depression include having a weak support system, relationship problems, a personal or family history of depression or bipolar disorder, financial problems, having multiple births, or difficulty breastfeeding.

How is postpartum depression diagnosed?

To diagnose postpartum depression, your Capital Women’s Care provider reviews your medical history and asks questions about your symptoms. 

They may use blood tests to check for hormone imbalance or recommend other diagnostic testing if you have symptoms of specific health problems.

What is the treatment for postpartum depression?

Your Capital Women’s Care specialist works with you to establish a personalized postpartum depression treatment plan that best suits your needs. They may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Lifestyle changes

Changing lifestyle habits can help alleviate symptoms of postpartum depression. Examples include accepting help from friends and family, connecting with other new moms, getting sleep when you can, taking time for yourself, and avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs.

Medications

Taking antidepressant medications can help relieve feelings of sadness after having a baby. Your doctor lets you know if depression medicines are right for you.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is when you talk with a psychologist or other mental health professional about your feelings. They offer behavioral therapy solutions that help you better cope with sad feelings in a positive way.

Living with untreated postpartum depression can negatively affect you and your family. At the first sign of prolonged sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness, schedule an appointment with Capital Women’s Care over the phone or online.