Postpartum Depression & Anxiety

Becoming a mother is a profound life change that brings joy but also challenges, stress, and significant hormonal shifts. While many new mothers experience brief "baby blues" in the first few weeks after delivery, postpartum depression and anxiety are more serious conditions that persist and interfere with your ability to function and bond with your baby. These conditions are common—affecting up to 1 in 7 new mothers—and they are not your fault. You're not a bad mother, and with proper treatment, you will feel better.

Recognizing Postpartum Mood Disorders

Postpartum depression involves persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in your baby or activities you normally enjoy. You might experience severe fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep (beyond normal newborn disruptions), difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or guilt about not being a good mother, and in severe cases, thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. Postpartum anxiety involves excessive worry about your baby's health and safety, panic attacks, racing thoughts, physical symptoms like heart palpitations and nausea, and difficulty sleeping even when the baby is sleeping.

Some women experience both depression and anxiety simultaneously. In rare cases, postpartum psychosis can occur, involving hallucinations, delusions, confusion, and erratic behavior—this is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Risk factors for postpartum mood disorders include history of depression or anxiety, previous postpartum depression, lack of support, stressful life events, and birth complications, but they can affect any new mother regardless of circumstances.

Our Supportive Approach

We understand how difficult it is to admit you're struggling when you feel you should be happy and grateful. We provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can share your true feelings without shame. Our evaluation process is sensitive to the unique challenges of new motherhood, and we work quickly to provide relief. Treatment typically includes medication that is safe during breastfeeding if desired—certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications have been well-studied in nursing mothers and pose minimal risk to babies.

We discuss the risks and benefits of all treatment options so you can make informed decisions for yourself and your baby. Beyond medication, we provide education about postpartum mood changes, practical strategies for managing symptoms, and guidance on self-care during this demanding time. We can coordinate with therapists who specialize in perinatal mental health and connect you with support groups where you can meet other mothers experiencing similar challenges. We also involve partners and family members when appropriate, helping them understand how to support you.

You Deserve Support

Struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety doesn't mean you're failing as a mother. These are medical conditions caused by hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the enormous adjustment of caring for a new baby. With treatment, you can recover fully and enjoy this special time with your child. Your wellbeing matters—for yourself, your baby, and your family. If you're experiencing postpartum mood symptoms, please don't suffer in silence. Reach out today so we can help you feel like yourself again and embrace motherhood with the joy you deserve.