Postpartum depression which doctor to see

Bonding is a special connection you have with your baby. Bonding with your baby is not a one-time event. Visit The Symptom Checker. Read More.

Managing Daily Stress. Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Table of Contents. What is postpartum depression? Symptoms of postpartum depression. The symptoms of postpartum depression affect your quality of life and include: Feeling sad or down often.

Frequent crying or tearfulness. Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious. Loss of interest or pleasure in life. Loss of appetite. Less energy and motivation to do things. Difficulty sleeping, including trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, or sleeping more than usual. Feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty. Unexplained weight loss or gain. Showing little interest in your baby.

Not feeling attached to your baby. What causes postpartum depression? Postpartum depression is more likely to occur if you have had any of the following: Previous postpartum depression. Depression not related to pregnancy. Severe premenstrual syndrome PMS. A difficult or very stressful marriage or relationship. Few family members or friends to talk to or depend on. Stressful life events during pregnancy or after childbirth such as severe illness during pregnancy, premature birth, or a difficult delivery.

How is postpartum depression diagnosed? Can postpartum depression be prevented or avoided? Postpartum depression treatment. Living with postpartum depression. Here are some things you can do that other mothers with postpartum depression have found helpful: Find someone to talk to and tell that person about your feelings. Get in touch with people who can help you with childcare, household chores, and errands.

This support network will help you find time for yourself so you can rest. But I hated me too. Women with supportive spouses and doctors, like Suzanne, 35, of New Paltz, N. She couldn't keep up the act forever. My husband phoned the doctor. They saw me right away. It was a relief to get it off my chest. But I was ashamed when I went to the doctors and had to admit all this out loud to a professional.

Once Suzanne's husband intervened, she made some first steps. That was like admitting I was crazy. My ob-gyn prescribed a medication. I took one pill. That was the end of it," she says. My advice is to get help and do something sooner than I did.

I could have gotten through it faster," she says. Katherine Stone , 38, of Atlanta, went to a therapist recommended by her company's employee assistance program. Instead, she said she'd heard stories like mine many times, told me more about the disorder, and explained the difference between intrusive thoughts, which I had, and psychosis, which I didn't.

It happens in up to 4 new mothers out of every 1, births. It usually begins in the first 2 weeks after childbirth. It is a medical emergency. Women who have bipolar disorder or another mental health condition called schizoaffective disorder have a higher risk of postpartum psychosis.

Symptoms may include:. Ask your partner or a loved one to call for you if necessary. Your doctor, nurse, or midwife can ask you questions to test for depression. They can also refer you to a mental health professional for help and treatment. Here are some ways to begin feeling better or getting more rest, in addition to talking to a health care professional:.

It can also help to have a partner, a friend, or another caregiver who can help take care of the baby while you are depressed.

Tell a loved one and call your doctor right away. There are different types of medicines for postpartum depression. All of them must be prescribed by your doctor or nurse. The most common type is antidepressants. Antidepressants can help relieve symptoms of depression and some can be taken while you're breastfeeding.

Antidepressants may take several weeks to start working. The Food and Drug Administration FDA has also approved a medicine called brexanolone to treat postpartum depression in adult women. Because of the risk of side effects, this medicine can only be given in a clinic or office while you are under the care of a doctor or nurse. Brexanolone may not be safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Another type of medicine called esketamine can treat depression and is given as a nasal nose spray in a doctor's office or clinic.

Esketamine can hurt an unborn baby. You should not take esketamine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. These treatments can be used alone or together. Talk with your doctor or nurse about the benefits and risks of taking medicine to treat depression when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Having depression can affect your baby. Getting treatment is important for you and your baby.

Taking medicines for depression or going to therapy does not make you a bad mother or a failure. Getting help is a sign of strength. Feeling like a bad mother can make depression worse. It is important to reach out for help if you feel depressed. Researchers believe postpartum depression in a mother can affect her child throughout childhood, causing: 7.

For more information about postpartum depression, call the OWH Helpline at or check out these resources from the following organizations:. Department of Health and Human Services. ET closed on federal holidays. Postpartum depression. Postpartum depression Your body and mind go through many changes during and after pregnancy.

What is postpartum depression? How common is postpartum depression? How do I know if I have postpartum depression? What causes postpartum depression? Other feelings may contribute to postpartum depression. Many new mothers say they feel: Tired after labor and delivery Tired from a lack of sleep or broken sleep Overwhelmed with a new baby Doubts about their ability to be a good mother Stress from changes in work and home routines An unrealistic need to be a perfect mom Grief about loss of who they were before having the baby Less attractive A lack of free time These feelings are common among new mothers.

Are some women more at risk of postpartum depression? You may be more at risk of postpartum depression if you: 3 Have a personal history of depression or bipolar disorder Have a family history of depression or bipolar disorder Do not have support from family and friends Were depressed during pregnancy Had problems with a previous pregnancy or birth Have relationship or money problems Are younger than 20 Have alcoholism, use illegal drugs, or have some other problem with drugs Have a baby with special needs Have difficulty breastfeeding Had an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy The U.

If you have the baby blues, you may: Have mood swings Feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed Have crying spells Lose your appetite Have trouble sleeping The baby blues usually go away in 3 to 5 days after they start.