A new mom with postpartum depression.

Finding Effective Postpartum Depression Treatment

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Having a baby is a momentous experience, especially for first-time moms and dads. It’s supposed to feel joyous and exciting. But for many new moms, it can also be challenging.

Sleepless nights, constant worry about the new baby, isolation from social situations, and increased pressure can take their toll.

You may find yourself worrying that you don’t feel the way you “should.” Maybe it’s just your hormone levels or the baby blues. Maybe you’re simply exhausted. But, it could be more. You may need postpartum depression treatment.

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of perinatal depression, which encompasses a range of depressive disorders that occur during pregnancy and up to a year after birth.

PPD (sometimes referred to as postnatal depression) typically starts within the first few weeks after giving birth but can develop up to a year later.

While 50% of PPD cases go undiagnosed, approximately one in seven new mothers experience it within the first year after childbirth.

How PPD Differs From Baby Blues

PPD and the baby blues may seem similar on the surface, but they differ in severity and length.

Nearly 80% of new moms experience the baby blues due to changing hormone levels after birth. Lower levels of progesterone and estrogen can cause mood swings, while a drop in hormones produced by the thyroid may lead to feelings of sadness. These symptoms usually begin two to three days after birth and can last up to two weeks.

PPD is a more serious mental health condition. If you notice symptoms that last longer than two weeks, speak to your healthcare provider and schedule a depression screening.

How PPD Differs From Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis (PPP) is a mental health emergency. Whereas PPD is similar to other forms of depression, PPP is characterized by symptoms closer to the severe manic episodes caused by bipolar disorder.

Symptoms of postpartum psychosis include delusions, hallucinations, agitation, increased energy, insomnia, extreme mood swings, and confusion.

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

To receive a diagnosis of PPD, at least five symptoms need to be present for two weeks or more. Symptoms of the mood disorder must occur within a year of childbirth for it to be diagnosed as PPD.

    • Loss of interest and pleasure
    • Mood swings and anger
    • Negative or “scary” thoughts about your baby
    • Consistent low or depressed mood
    • Trouble sleeping or oversleeping
    • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
    • Slowed movements or thought processes
    • Fatigue
    • Lack of focus
    • Change in weight or appetite
    • Suicidal thoughts

*If you or a loved one are experiencing thoughts of suicide, contact 911 or reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Risk Factors

PPD is caused by changes in hormone levels as well as genetic and environmental factors. Some of the factors that put you at an increased risk of developing PPD include the following:

    • Family history of depression
    • Vitamin D deficiency
    • Postpartum anemia
    • Cesarean section delivery
    • Alcohol and substance abuse
    • History of mental health conditions or other forms of depression
    • Gestational diabetes
    • Socioeconomic status
    • Poor diet
    • Lack of breastfeeding
    • Negative pregnancy or delivery experience
    • Lack of spousal or social support
    • Immigration status
    • Body image issues

How Long Does PPD Last?

PPD can last up to a year after your child is born. In some cases, it persists for years after. Left untreated, PPD can lead to a chronic depressive disorder.

Treatment Options for PPD

PPD doesn’t have to be debilitating because help is available. If you or a family member are displaying symptoms of postpartum depression, the first step is to reach out to a mental health professional for a diagnosis.

Working with an experienced provider helps you develop a treatment plan that works for you.

Talk Therapy

Talk therapy is a common type of psychotherapy that helps identify and change troubling behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. A mental health professional works with you to identify what is causing distress and how to help in those situations.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a type of psychotherapy that works to manage mood and thought processes. You learn how to identify unhelpful thoughts, modify your behavior, and develop self-help strategies to manage the increased pressure of motherhood.

Self-Care Strategies

When you become a new mom, it’s easy to forget about (or neglect) your own needs when you focus all your energy on your new baby’s needs. But, it’s important to understand that your mental health is impacted by physical health problems like lack of sleep and poor nutrition.

A mental health professional facilitates strategies for you to ask for help from your spouse or a family member. They also teach you how to develop a strong self-care routine.

Support Groups

Feelings of isolation can worsen PPD. Developing compassionate, supportive relationships with others who are struggling with the same mental disorder increases your sense of self-confidence and community. They also give you someone to turn to when times are hard.

To find a support group, you can visit the Postpartum Support International page.

Antidepressants

In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe antidepressant medication to address PPD.

While it’s natural to worry about how those medications may affect your breast milk, it’s important to know that many commonly prescribed antidepressants are safe for breastfeeding. The amount of medication that passes into breast milk is typically low to very low, posing minimal risk to your new baby. Plus, newly developed antidepressants have fewer side effects than older medications.

SSRIs, which are often used to treat major depressive disorders, are commonly prescribed for PPD due to their safety profile in breastfeeding mothers.

In addition to SSRIs, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two medications specifically for PPD. The first, brexanolone, is administered intravenously in a hospital setting due to its sedative effects and is reserved for at-risk situations. The newest medication, zuranolone, was approved by the FDA in 2023. It is the first oral medication specifically developed for PPD. Studies have shown that it’s highly effective in comparison to placebos.

If you are prescribed medication to treat PPD, talk to your doctor about any breastfeeding concerns or side effects related to that specific medication.

What Happens When PPD Goes Untreated?

Leaving PPD untreated can lead to other forms of depression. It can also cause you to feel disconnected from your baby during a crucial bonding period (which can lead to developmental issues and health problems).

Learn What Works For You

It can feel like you’re alone when you’re struggling with PPD. The pressure of being a new mom can leave you feeling inadequate or ashamed because of your condition. You might even feel guilty for not being as “happy” as you think a new mom should be.

But PPD is a medical condition caused by factors beyond your control, and it’s far more common than you might think. The good news is that it’s treatable.

If your mental health is struggling after childbirth, reach out to a licensed women’s health or mental health provider. They can help you find a postpartum depression treatment that works for you.