The birth of a new baby is an exciting time for the entire family, although this event does not come without it's stressors. Particularly for women who become mothers for the first time, having a baby is life-changing. It is normal for women to experience some mild mood symptoms following the birth. Women may feel stressed, anxious, sad, lonely and tired. But some new mothers, up to 1 in 5, experience a much more serious mood disorder, Postpartum Depression (PPD). Unlike the mild mood symptoms following birth that eventually subside on their own, PPD does not go away on its own and can appear days and even months after delivering a baby. PPD can last for many weeks or months if left untreated and can have a significant negative impact on how a new mom gets through the day, including the ability to take care of herself and the baby. PPD can affect any woman and some symptoms may include:
Feeling worthless or guilty
Anxiety -- all or most of the time
Panic attacks
Excessive irritability, anger, and/or mood swings
Fear of being left alone with the baby
Eating much more or less than usual
Loss of interest in things that used to be enjoyed
Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
Disinterest in the baby
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Thought of hurting self or baby
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends screening for PPD and anxiety at least once during the perinatal period and once during the comprehensive postpartum visit.
Our practice offers PPD screening as well as screening for other related mood disorders that impact the perinatal and postpartum period. Our therapists, who are all women,
offer compassionate and nurturing support to help with any challenges that may arise after the birth of an new baby. Email or call us today for more information or to schedule an appoinment.
