With about 1 in 8 women experiencing postpartum depression, new mothers should be aware of the symptoms associated with this often-debilitating condition so they can seek help from their healthcare provider as soon as possible after giving birth, according to Apurva Shah, MD, chief of the OB/GYN department at Saint Vincent Hospital.

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, an annual campaign to highlight the mental health and behavioral issues that affect thousands of American women every year after having a baby.

“It’s important for women to recognize the symptoms, seek early help without hesitation and prioritize self-care,” said Dr. Shah. “Keep open communication and be patient with yourself by acknowledging that it’s a process and healing takes time and patience. Lastly, advocate for yourself. Seek second opinions if your provider isn’t responding to your needs adequately.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), postpartum depression is more intense and longer lasting than the less severe condition known as “baby blues,” a term used to describe the worry, sadness, and tiredness many women experience after childbirth. Symptoms of postpartum depressed are similar to those of general depression, but may also include:

• Crying more frequently than usual
• Feeling angry
• Withdrawing from loved ones
• Feeling distant from your baby
• Worrying or feeling overly anxious
• Thinking about hurting yourself or your baby
• Doubting your ability to care for your baby

Providers typically use a well validated 10-item questionnaire to identify women experiencing depression both during pregnancy and after giving birth. Treatment for postpartum depression can include a combination of medication therapy, counseling, and referrals.

According to Dr. Shah, Massachusetts, like many other states across the country, is currently experiencing a severe shortage of trained psychiatrists, which can lead to long delays for women seeking specialized psychiatric care. However, the state has expanded its successful Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program (MCPAP) model with MCPAP for Moms, which provides support to primary care providers and OB/GYNs to help them identify and manage their patients’ mental health and substance use concerns.

For additional information about obstetric services at Saint Vincent Hospital, call (866) 494-3627 or go to our website.