Postpartum Depression Treatment in Birmingham, AL

What is Postpartum Depression?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) in Birmingham, AL, you’re not alone. PPD is a common form of depression that can occur during or after pregnancy, affecting over 800,000 women in the U.S. alone. Symptoms of PPD can include feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt, and worthlessness, and can make it challenging to perform daily activities for yourself and your loved ones.

At our women’s health clinic in Birmingham, AL, our team of board-certified OB/GYNs is dedicated to providing personalized care for women experiencing postpartum depression. Our experts are trained to identify and treat PPD, and we offer a range of treatment options, including therapy and medication, to help you manage your symptoms and get back to feeling like yourself.

If you’re looking for postpartum depression treatment in Birmingham, AL, our women’s health clinic is here to help. To schedule an appointment with one of our expert gynecologists, call us today at (205) 933-8334. Our compassionate team is here to support you through every step of your journey to recovery.

Causes of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is affected by several different physical and emotional factors rather than by a single source.

After childbirth a women experiences a dramatic change in her hormone levels, which leads to an alteration of chemicals in her brain. These chemical changes often result in powerful mood swings.

Sleep deprivation is another key contributor to postpartum depression. As the body undergoes an enormous amount of stress during childbirth, it is understandable that it requires an incredible amount of rest in order to fully recuperate. However, many new mothers find it difficult to attain such needed rest, which can heavily impact common symptoms of postpartum depression like exhaustion.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Postpartum depression typically creates feelings of extreme sadness, exhaustion, and anxiety in women for an extended period of time. Additional symptoms include:

• Crying more than usual or for no apparent reason
• Feeling irritable, moody, or restless
• Flashes of anger or rage
• Physical pains such as headaches, muscle pains, or stomach issues
• Changes in sleep habits – either too much or too little
• Loss of interest in activities that were once very enjoyable
• Isolation of self from friends and family
• Difficulty in bonding with the baby
• Significant changes in eating habits – eating too much or too little
• Doubt in ability to care for the baby
• Inability to concentrate, remember specific details, or make decisions

More concerning symptoms such as thoughts of harming oneself or the baby can be signs of a more rare mental illness called postpartum psychosis, which should be treated immediately.

Do I have the Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum Depression Treatment

Treatment for postpartum depression is often handled using therapy, medication, or a combination of the two.

Many patients that suffer from postpartum depression have found talk therapies to be very helpful. More specifically, patients often find success in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT).

Medications such as antidepressants can help to regulate abnormal changes in chemicals of the brain, which lead to a more stable mood. It is important to talk with your doctor about such medications, as certain types may or may not be considered safe to take while breastfeeding.