Postpartum Health

As a new mother, it can be hard to meet the demands of every life and maintain a healthy balance.  Increased levels of anxiety or sadness can be caused by many things, including rapid hormone changes, physical and emotional stress of birthing and fatigue and sleep deprivation.  They are very normal feelings, but can sometimes build to an unhealthy level.  Eighty percent of women experience baby blues within the first week after delivering, and one in five women will experience a postpartum mood disorder.

Presbyterian Psychiatric Associates offers a special program dedicated to identifying and treating women with emotional disorders as they progress through their child-bearing years.  If you can answer "yes" to any of these questions, please call Presbyterian Psychiatric Associates at 704-384-1246 or another health professional.  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.

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

Our board-certified physicians, physicians' assistants and licensed clinical social workers can provide the care you need to help you recover. Services include:

• Postpartum mood disorder screening, prevention and treatment
• New mother role transition support
• New mother support systems with individual and group counseling
• Crisis appointments

Learn more about Presbyterian Psychiatric Associates.