Where to Seek Care
Reach out and connect, postpartum mood and anxiety is treatable. If 2 weeks go by and anxiety and depression persist or symptoms become severe in pregnancy or days after birth, contact your doctor. There are effective and well researched treatments.
If you need immediate assistance:
- Call your doctor
- Go to the nearest hospital emergency department
- Call The Phone (crisis line) at 225-924-3900
Groups, Counseling, Support
Postpartum Moods or Pregnancy/Infant Loss Support
Woman’s Hospital Social Services
Postpartum Support International
www.postpartum.net
The Postpartum Stress Center
www.postpartumstress.com
The Seleni Institute
www.seleni.org
Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Women’s Mental Health
www.womensmentalhealth.org
Baton Rouge Perinatal Counseling, LLC
www.batonrougeperinatalcounseling.com
Grief Recovery Center
www.grcbr.org
Crisis Hotline
This is not your fault. Below are some actions you can take that might help relieve symptoms:
- Nurture yourself with healthy food, rest and time for yourself, and mild exercise
- Seek advice/help:
- Talk to a counselor or healthcare provider
- Join a support group in your area or online
- Develop a support system, such as a mother’s group, exercise class, neighbors, friends, or family members
- Talk to at least one adult daily about how you are doing (not just the baby)
- Recognize positive feelings when they happen
- Remember your sense of humor
- Allow negative feelings to be expressed
- Take at least 10 minutes of quiet time for yourself daily
- If things seem to be getting worse despite your efforts, don’t wait to get help. Seek help right away from your doctor, and ask to talk to a Woman’s social worker about different treatment options.
- Your physician may suggest therapy or refer you to Woman’s Behavioral Health Science for medication management and psychotherapy treatment plans.
- Many new mothers put off calling the doctor because they feel guilty, or don’t want to be seen as “crazy.” Rest assured, your obstetrician has seen many other women in the same situation and will help you to feel better.
- Encourage her to talk about feelings and listen without judgment
- Offer simple affection and physical comfort
- Provided emotional support and reassurance
- Be sure that nutritious food is available
- Get help with household chores
- Take care of the baby so that she can get some sleep
- Remember to ask for help and support for yourself too
- The Well Mom Checklist: www.Thewellmom.com
- Postpartum Dads: www.Postpartumdads.org
- Postpartum Progress: www.Postpartumprogress.com
- The Symptoms of Postpartum Depression & Anxiety [pdf]
- Woman’s: Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Brochure [pdf]