Counseling & Support for You
and Your Family
New Parent & Postpartum Depression Support
Are you feeling overwhelmed after having a baby?
Becoming a parent can be a huge adjustment. When you were pregnant it was all about taking care of you. Now that the baby is here you are responsible for another human being's well being. It is not surprising that feelings of anxiety and depression may surface after giving birth. Much of these changes in mood can be attributed to hormonal changes or sleep deprivation.
In some cases, these stressful feelings can dissipate over time. But in other instances they can be hard to work through on your own. Even if you have a caring partner and family it may be hard to get the assistance you need.
How can supportive counseling help me?
By talking about how you feel, learning new coping skills, and examining how this new role and this new person impacts on you and your life.
How do I decide if I should come in to meet with you?
Give me a call at 202-215-2790 or send me an email at jenko108@gmail.com so we can talk about your specific situation. I am a parent myself who has worked with many women and their partners. They have all struggled and made it through using strategies to reduce stress and to begin to enjoy their new family. I am available to speak with you at no charge to determine if my services can be of use to you.
Questions & Answers about Postpartum Depression
What differentiates postpartum depression from the "baby blues?"
The baby blues are very common and affect about 70-85% of new moms. The baby blues, also known as postpartum blues, usually start within three days of giving birth and can last up to 14 days. They typically go away on their own without treatment and rarely require more than a few days of rest and support. Postpartum depression (PPD) is more intense and must be present for more than 2 weeks to distinguish it from the "baby blues." About 10% of new mothers suffer from PPD in the first year after giving birth. It can occur after any birth, beginning any time after a woman delivers, but usually begins two to three weeks after giving birth. PPD can last for a few months or up to a year and a half, or longer, if untreated. PPD often requires counseling and treatment.
Are there predisposing factors that increase a woman's risk of having PPD?
A personal or family history of depression or mental illness puts one at higher risk for PPD. Other related factors are an unwanted pregnancy; a complicated or difficult labor; a fetal abnormality; a lack of social support; and a temporary upheaval, such as a recent move, death of a loved one, or job change. Women who have previously suffered from depression following the birth of a child have an increased risk of becoming depressed following a subsequent delivery. In women with a history of PPD, the risk of recurrence is about one in three to one in four.
What causes PPD?
While the causes are not known, research suggests that PPD may be triggered by the hormonal shifts that occur after delivery and are greatly exacerbated by the stress of a major life change.
Are there obvious warning signs of PPD?
Yes. Symptoms include deep sadness, irritability, apathy, intense anxiety, lack of appetite, inability to sleep, crying spells, irrational behavior, and highly impaired concentration and decision-making. Women with PPD have feelings of being overwhelmed, are unable to cope with daily tasks, and feel guilty about not being a good enough mother. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale download on the bottom of this page can assist in the diagnosis of PPD.
What is the most appropriate treatment for PPD?
PPD can be successfully treated with medications, therapy, or a combination of both. Counseling may be all that is needed for women with mild symptoms. Special consideration must be given to breast-feeding women, but a number of antidepressants can safely be used by mothers who choose to continue nursing.
Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Take Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale
You can take this questionnaire at home to help you determine if you may have Postpartum Depression (PPD). If you score a ten or higher, it is recommended that you contact your doctor and a clinician who is trained in assisting women with PPD.
