Postpartum Depression

Feeling down is common after pregnancy, as one in seven women develop postpartum depression after giving birth. At Broderick Healthcare in North Reading, Massachusetts, board-certified family nurse practitioner Kathleen Broderick Logan, FNP, diagnoses and treats this form of depression to ease troublesome symptoms and help you rediscover joy. Schedule a mental health evaluation at Broderick Healthcare by phone or request one online today.

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is a mental health condition that develops in some women after having a baby. While having children is a life-changing experience, it often feels overwhelming. Baby blues are common after pregnancy (50-75% of women experience this), but extreme sadness or constant mood swings could indicate postpartum depression.

Which symptoms can postpartum depression cause?

The symptoms of postpartum depression include:

• Frequent crying spells
• Sudden mood changes
• Appetite changes
• Not eating
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping all the time
• Difficulty focusing
• Feeling worthless, sad, guilty, or hopeless
• Loss of interest in favorite things
• Being constantly worried
• Reduced motivation
• Fatigue
• Crying excessively for no reason
• Thoughts of suicide
• Lack of interest in being a mom

Postpartum depression lasts for weeks or months and is more severe than the baby blues, which typically last 10 days. Contact Kathleen at the first sign of postpartum depression.

What increases the risk of postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression risk factors include:

• Family history of postpartum depression
• Marriage or relationship conflicts
• Limited social support
• Not wanting to be a mom
• Having a baby with special needs
• Having a fussy baby
• Being younger than age 20
• Being a single parent
• Premature birth or other pregnancy complications

However, the cause isn’t always clear and may be linked to hormone fluctuations after delivery. Getting treated for postpartum depression is important for yourself, your baby, and other family members.

How is postpartum depression diagnosed?

Kathleen diagnoses postpartum depression by meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and medical history.

She completes physical and mental health exams. Kathleen asks questions about your emotions, moods, thoughts, and behaviors. She determines if you have postpartum depression, anxiety, another mental health disorder, or multiple mental health conditions. You might need blood testing or other lab tests to screen for underlying medical problems.

How is postpartum depression treated?

Treating postpartum depression usually consists of making lifestyle changes, trying medication management, receiving vitamin injections, or undergoing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), other therapies, or a combination of treatments.

Kathleen tailors a plan that offers an exceptional outcome and follows up to ensure long-lasting success. Contact her anytime with questions throughout treatment or if you develop new or changing symptoms.

It’s important to eat nutritious foods, stay active, adopt stress management techniques (yoga, tai chi, mindfulness, massage, meditation, etc.), and have a social support network in place to assist you.

Schedule a postpartum depression evaluation at Broderick Healthcare by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.