Postpartum Depression: Moms & New Babies

PostPartum Depression & Anxiety

Pregnancy is supposed to be a wonderful time as you prepare for baby. However, many new moms don’t have this experience.  Hormonal changes, a difficult birth, expectations, disillusionment, miscarriage, and/or medical problems leave a woman overwhelmed, depressed and/or anxious. The baby may not latch. Tired.  Bonding? What if the baby has an allergy? I can help you work through peripartum and postpartum mood changes and the doubts that you experience during and after pregnancy.

Having someone to talk to helps you and your baby.  I can help you with the emotions you experience in pregnancy, being pregnant, and postpartum and to better facilitate your child’s early months. 

Screen Yourself for Postpartum Depression & Anxiety

If you answer “yes” to these three questions, you may be experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety:

    1.      I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong

    2.      I have been anxious or worried for no good reason

    3.      I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason

(Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Kabir K, Sheeder J, Kelly LS. Identifying postpartum depression: Are 3 questions as good as 10? Pediatrics 2008, 122(3):e696-e702)

PLEASE NOTE:  Since becoming a mom is a BIG and NEW experience, worry and self-blame alone don’t mean that you are experiencing postpartum symptoms. Consult with your doctor, and/or talk to a mental health professional if you are uncertain if you are experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety.

Here are examples of what women I see experience:

Postpartum Depression and Anxiety During or After Pregnancy

The Emotional Issues of Infertility

Mother and Infants: Together & Apart

Working Moms

Women who Decide Not to become a Mother
 
———

“Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.  ‘Pooh!” he whispered

‘Yes,Piglet?

‘Nothing,’ said Piglet, taking Pooh’s paw.

‘I just wanted to be sure of you.’ “

(Winnie the Pooh)

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