Postpartum Mood Disorders

Pre-pandemic postpartum mood disorders (PPMD) was about 1 in 5 birthing parents and 1 in 10 partners will have PPMD in the first year. Current research is showing as high as 7 in 10 birthing parents!!!! WHOA!!!

What is going on that causes PPMD? Well there can be a lot of different factors. Returning to work early, lack of support, health issues for parent or baby can all cause stress and PPMD. Of course previous issues with mental health disorders increases your chance of PPMD. But the BIGGEST factor???

Feeding issues with baby are the BIGGEST cause of PPMD. Why? When you want to feed your child and can’t do it the way you planned, it is so very hard and emotionally exhausting. I work 95% with clients struggling with infant feeding (every once in a while I get a prenatal client who has insurance and just wants to have lactation support to learn and in case things don’t go easily). Since most of my clients are struggling, frequently I see these clients also struggling with PPMD.

Thankfully there are great providers out there to help support with PPMD (many are not knowledgeable. If you need support reach out today and I will help you find a knowledgeable provider) and most meds are totally safe with breastfeeding. The biggest thing I tell clients is don’t suffer in silence. It is okay to say you are not okay and need help. There is a lot of strength in admitting that you need help.

If you struggled with PPMD, or need support for this reach out today. I am not a practitioner for PPMD, but I will help you find someone who can help you.