Postpartum Mood Disorders

Last week I explored the potentiality of perinatal mood disorder interventions occurring within the context of the expectant mother-obstetrician/midwife relationship.

I often hear from women who choose not to reach out for help even though they have serious concerns they are suffering from postpartum depression or anxiety.  There is a tendency to hope that the symptoms will eventually wear off, or that if they can just yank up those bootstraps some more they’ll be alright.

Perinatal mood disorders have been called the most common complication associated with childbirth.

Postpartum depression is not a one-size-fits-all illness.

You’ve become a dad.  You are thrilled about having this brand new baby in your life, even though you are exhausted and more than a little nervous about figuring out how to properly raise another human being.

Am I ever going to want to hold and nurture my baby?”
“Do these feelings mean that I’m a bad mother?”