Women's Services

As a new mother, it can be hard to meet the demands of everyday life and maintain a healthy balance.  However, it’s important that you make time to take care of yourself.

Increased anxiety and sadness are common in new moms and can be caused by many things, including rapid hormone change, the physical and emotional stress of giving birth and fatigue and sleep deprivation.  These are very normal feelings, but they can sometimes build to an unhealthy level.  In fact, 80 percent of women experience the “baby blues” within the first week after delivering. One in five women will experience a more serious postpartum mood disorder.

If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, please call your ob-gyn or other healthcare provider today.  With help, you can get better and enjoy motherhood to the fullest.

During the past week or two:

• I have been unable to laugh or see the funny side of situations.
• I have not looked forward to events or situations I usually enjoy.
• I have unnecessarily blamed myself when things went wrong.
• I have been anxious or worried for no reason.
• I have been scared or panicked for no reason.
• I have felt sad or miserable.
• I have been unhappy to the point that it has made me cry.
• The thought of harming myself, my baby or others has occurred to me.

We use this survey to screen all new mothers for postpartum depression before they are discharged from the hospital.  Based on your score, you may receive additional information about postpartum depression and the baby blues and referral information for additional follow up.

Because baby blues and postpartum depression may not develop immediately, we encourage you to contact your physician immediately if you develop any of the symptoms above, even if your initial survey score was low.

Helpful Tips to Remember

• Baby blues and postpartum mood disorders are biochemical illnesses that you cannot prevent. These feelings are not your fault.
• Mothers need to be mothered, too. You must take care of yourself, as well as your baby.
• You are a good mom. Taking steps to get better shows how much you care about your family.

Presbyterian Psychiatric Associates

Should you need more specialized care, our board-certified physicians, physicians’ assistants and licensed clinical social workers at Presbyterian Psychiatric Associates are available to help. They can also recommend psychologists or other community resources that may benefit you.