There’s nothing more exciting than bringing your little bundle of joy home, but sometimes, the joy can feel out of reach. Many new mothers experience the baby blues, a period of mood changes, anxiety, and sadness that typically fades within a couple of weeks after giving birth.
Postpartum depression (PPD), however, is different. It is more intense, longer-lasting, and can affect the mother’s ability to care for herself or bond with her baby. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 8 women experience postpartum depression. It’s one of the most common and overlooked challenges of new motherhood.
How to Spot Postpartum Depression
It is common to experience the baby blues with the emotional ups and downs that happen after giving birth. Hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and the pressures of caring for a newborn can take a toll on a new mother. If symptoms become more severe or persist for more than two weeks, it may point towards postpartum depression. These are some symptoms to look out for:
- Intense sadness or mood swings
- Excessive crying
- Withdrawal from loved ones or social support
- Feelings of guilt or fear of being a bad mother
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby.
In rare cases, postpartum depression can become postpartum psychosis, which involves hallucinations, paranoia, or delusional thinking. This requires immediate medical attention.
It is also common for fathers and partners to experience paternal postpartum depression. Often, feelings of pressure—both financial and as a caregiver—can also affect how the parent bonds with the baby.
Available Treatments
Postpartum depression is a treatable condition; relief is available. Traditional treatments like therapy and antidepressants help many women find relief. Still, about 30% of patients do not respond to medication alone, and it can take weeks to work while often carrying many side effects. There are a few other alternative treatments that offer fast relief.
Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine is typically administered in a medical clinic through an IV, nasal spray, or injection. About 55% of patients with treatment-resistant depression experience relief after their first ketamine session. Ketamine works by enhancing the brain’s glutamate system and promoting neuroplasticity, which allows the brain to form healthier, stronger and better neural connections, resulting in improved mood. Studies suggest that ketamine does not pass into breast milk in significant amounts. But, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should always consult your doctor before treatment.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, FDA-approved therapy for depression that has also shown promise in relieving postpartum depression symptoms. TMS works by delivering magnetic pulses to the area of the brain responsible for mood regulation. Research shows that up to 88% of women treated with TMS achieve symptom remission within weeks of treatment. Because it does not involve medication or side effects, TMS is an excellent option for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.
Contact Us Today!
If you or someone you know is struggling with postpartum depression, know that relief is possible. Alternative treatments for postpartum depression, like ketamine and TMS therapy, are giving new mothers a safe and fast recovery. Contact us today for the relief you deserve.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Postpartum Depression: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9312-postpartum-depression Cleveland Clinic
- Mayo Clinic. (2023). Postpartum depression – Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617 Mayo Clinic
- Relief Mental Health. (2024, January 15). TMS for Post-Partum Depression. Retrieved from https://reliefmh.com/blog/tms-postpartum-depression/
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