Postpartum Depression

Poor family and social support and high stress raise the risk of postpartum depression. For this reason, every woman with a new baby needs plenty of support from family and friends. Any special care you get will help you get through the challenges of the postpartum period.

Counseling

Counseling helps prevent and treat depression during pregnancy and after childbirth. To improve treatment success, both parents should try to take part.

• Reference Cognitive-behavioral therapy Opens New Window helps you take charge of the way you think and feel.
• Reference Interpersonal counseling Opens New Window provides emotional support and help with problem solving and goal setting.

Your doctor may recommend a licensed counselor who specializes in treating postpartum depression. To effectively treat depression, it's important that you and your counselor have a comfortable relationship.

Alternative treatment

• Reference Light therapy hasn't been widely studied for postpartum depression. But it helps depression during pregnancy, winter-related depression (Reference seasonal affective disorder Opens New Window), and general depression.
• Parent coaching offers both education and support for handling baby care and problems as well as for the personal and couple transition into parenthood.
• Infant massage classes teach you skills for physically and emotionally bonding with your baby. And they give you a chance to spend time with other mothers.

In rare cases, Reference electroconvulsive therapy is used to treat severe forms of depression. It works well as short-term treatment.

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