Postpartum Depression (PPD) Treatments

Yes. Many women take medication for depression and anxiety under a doctor’s supervision while breastfeeding.

There is no one cause of postpartum depression, but these physical and emotional issues may contribute:

• Hormones. The dramatic drop in estrogen and progesterone after you give birth.
• Lack of sleep. When you’re sleep-deprived it is easy to feel overwhelmed.
• Anxiety. You may be anxious about your ability to care for a newborn.
• Self-image. You may feel less attractive or struggle with your sense of identity.
• Control. You may suddenly feel that you’ve lost control over your life.

The “baby blues” refer to mild feelings of sadness, mood swings, and emotional sensitivity that typically begin within the first few days after giving birth. These symptoms affect approximately 80% of new parents, regardless of age, race, income, or cultural background, and usually resolve on their own within two weeks.

In contrast, postpartum depression is a more serious condition that may develop at any time within the first year after childbirth. PPD is marked by persistent and intense feelings of sadness, overwhelming stress, irritability, and difficulty caring for yourself and the baby. Some individuals may experience thoughts of self-harm, extreme agitation, withdrawal, or trouble bonding with their baby. Unlike the baby blues, PPD often requires professional treatment, such as therapy and medication, to support recovery and ensure maternal and infant well-being.

• Your “baby blues” don’t get better after the first two weeks
• Sadness or guilt continue to consume your thoughts
• Worrying excessively or constantly feeling on edge
• You can’t decide whether or not to get out of bed
• You are having constant doubts about yourself as a mother
• You think about harming yourself or the baby or wish you were dead
• Impacts your ability to function with daily activities

But only a qualified clinician should give a PPD diagnosis.

Very common. An estimated one in seven women experiences postpartum depression.

There is a genetic component to postpartum depression, and the hormonal changes of pregnancy may help trigger a depressive episode in vulnerable women. Additional factors such as age, fertility challenges, and first-time motherhood can also increase the risk for developing postpartum depression.

Research has found no significant differences in the rate of postpartum depression between mothers of boys or girls.

It does. Women who have twins are more likely to report postpartum depression, and women older than 40 who have twins are at a markedly higher risk for postpartum depression.

It can. That’s why sleep is the first thing doctors focus on when diagnosing and treating postpartum depression. The best advice a new mother can heed is to sleep whenever your baby sleeps where possible.

Hospitalization is not a typical postpartum depression treatment, as symptoms are often handled better at home. In extreme cases, when an individual is at risk of harming themselves or others or if the individual is experiencing postpartum psychosis (PPP), hospitalization is an emergency solution. If you or someone you know is experiencing an emergency, call 911 or 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) immediately.

After childbirth, the body’s estrogen and progesterone levels drop quickly. This sudden decrease in hormones may contribute to the development of postpartum depression. While some research suggests that estrogen could be helpful as a treatment for postpartum depression, estrogen-based therapies for PPD are still considered experimental and are not widely used at this time. The newest medication approved for PPD, Zurzuvae (zuranolone), is based on progesterone—a hormone that naturally drops in your body after you give birth.

Yes, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline offers a 24/7 over-the-phone service, available in English and Spanish. Call or text the free and confidential service at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).

Physicians and mental health professionals with expertise in postpartum care are trained to diagnose and manage postpartum depression. Typically, obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs) conduct screenings for PPD during postpartum examinations, and pediatricians may also provide similar assessments during your child’s appointments.

At LifeStance, we tailor our care plans to fit each person’s unique needs. Our clinicians include psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists who are ready to support individuals struggling with PPD. LifeStance offers both in-person and telehealth appointments, so individuals get the care they need in the format that serves them best. We also accept many major insurance plans, allowing individuals to get the most from their personalized care plan.

Outpatient treatment is often an effective option for postpartum depression, allowing new parents to receive care while continuing to manage daily life and family responsibilities. In an outpatient setting, individuals do not stay overnight at a hospital or facility; instead, they attend regular appointments for therapy, medication management, or both. This approach can be especially helpful because it provides consistent professional support while giving individuals the flexibility to care for their baby and maintain their routine. Most outpatient care can be provided in-person or online. For new parents, online appointments offer a convenient way to receive high-quality care without the challenges of packing up a newborn, managing unpredictable schedules, or arranging childcare just to leave the house.

At LifeStance, we offer outpatient care tailored to the unique needs of parents experiencing postpartum depression. Our clinics provide a range of evidence-based treatments, including individual psychotherapy, group therapy, and psychiatric medication management. With both in-person and telehealth options available, you can choose the setting that feels most comfortable and accessible.

Postpartum depression isn’t just something new mothers can get. It can affect new fathers too. One in ten dads get postpartum depression, and up to 18% develop a generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder at some point during their partner’s pregnancy or in the first year postpartum. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), this rate can increase to 50% when the mother also has postpartum depression. The treatment options for paternal PPD are the same therapy and medication offered for major depressive disorder.