Moms Supporting Moms

Moms Supporting Moms 919-454-6946

Hope --- Encouragement --- Information

Treatment Options for Postpartum Mood Disorders

Many women ask how they will know if it is time to call their doctor about how they are
feeling. If your symptoms are interfering with your daily activities, disrupting your ability to
sleep or eat, or if you are feeling hopeless or helpless, that is the time to contact your doctor
or seek a psychiatrist who is familiar with treating postpartum mood disorders.

Some options to consider are:

•        Therapy
Seeing a therapist or counselor to talk through your feelings and discuss ways to deal with all
of the changes occurring in your life post-delivery can help with recovery. Therapists often
help identify sources of stress and anxiety and assist in developing stress-management
techniques.

•        Support Groups
Attending support group meetings, or participating in one online if meetings are unavailable
locally, helps mothers find encouragement and hope as they deal with their symptoms.
Meetings provide a neutral place to share feelings, worries, and thoughts.   Mothers who have
already gone through postpartum depression and recovered often attend to offer hope and
support for those who are still going through it.

•        Medication
Medication can help alleviate the more distressing symptoms of depression and anxiety, such
as panic attacks, overwhelming sadness, intrusive thoughts, and sleeplessness. There are a
wide range of medications that target different symptoms. Some medicines are considered
safe for use while breastfeeding, so don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about all of your
options.

•        Social support
Becoming a new parent sometimes leads women to feel isolated, which can increase
depression. Seek out social networks for emotional support as you go through the transition
of becoming a parent. Good resources include friends and family; faith communities; and
organized groups for parents such as Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), exercise classes for
mothers and babies, Gymboree, or classes for new parents offered through hospitals or other
reputable organizations. Check local parenting magazines or online for ideas, and also see our
link to NC Social Support Networks.
Reach out to others and say yes to any offers of help—try not to feel that you have to do
everything on your own.

For more information on treatment options, see S uggested Reading.

A Project of the Center for Perinatal Emotional Wellness, Inc.