Postpartum Depression Treatment in Boston, MA
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a form of depression that occurs specifically during pregnancy or after childbirth. This mental illness is very common and affects more than 800,000 women in the U.S. alone. Postpartum depression often makes it difficult for these women to perform daily activities for themselves or others.
About Women by Women offers comprehensive postpartum depression treatment from our offices throughout the Greater Boston area in Wellesley, Waltham, Natick, Millis, and Walpole. If you are a new mom who is currently experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, contact our women’s health clinic at (781) 263-0033 and schedule your appointment today!
What Causes Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is affected by several different physical and emotional factors rather than by a single source.
After childbirth a woman experiences a dramatic change in her hormone levels, which leads to an alteration of chemicals in her brain. These chemical changes often result in powerful mood swings.
Sleep deprivation is another key contributor to postpartum depression. As the body undergoes an enormous amount of stress during childbirth, it is understandable that it requires an incredible amount of rest in order to fully recuperate. However, many new mothers find it difficult to attain such needed rest, which can heavily impact common symptoms of postpartum depression like exhaustion.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression typically creates feelings of extreme sadness, exhaustion, and anxiety in women for an extended period of time. Additional symptoms include:
- Crying more than usual or for no apparent reason
- Feeling irritable, moody, or restless
- Flashes of anger or rage
- Physical pains such as headaches, muscle pains, or stomach issues
- Changes in sleep habits – either too much or too little
- Loss of interest in activities that were once very enjoyable
- Isolation of self from friends and family
- Difficulty in bonding with the baby
- Significant changes in eating habits – eating too much or too little
- Doubt in ability to care for the baby
- Inability to concentrate, remember specific details, or make decisions
More concerning symptoms such as thoughts of harming oneself or the baby can be signs of a more rare mental illness called postpartum psychosis, which should be treated immediately.
How Do You Treat Postpartum Depression?
Treatment for postpartum depression is often handled using therapy, medication, or a combination of the two.
Many patients that suffer from postpartum depression have found talk therapies to be very helpful. More specifically, patients often find success in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT).
Medications such as antidepressants can help to regulate abnormal changes in chemicals of the brain, which lead to a more stable mood. It is important to talk with your doctor about such medications, as certain types may or may not be considered safe to take while breastfeeding.
Schedule Your Appointment for Postpartum Depression Treatment in Boston, MA
To speak with a board certified OBGYN from About Women by Women about the diagnosis or treatment of postpartum depression, please request an appointment today. You can also speak with one of our physicians immediately by calling (781) 263-0033.
