It is normal to experience the “baby blues” during the first days and weeks after giving birth. You may have feelings of disappointment, irritability or anxiety that usually go away without treatment.
However, these feelings could also be a sign of postpartum depression, which is much more serious and longer-lasting than the baby blues.
Postpartum depression is the most common complication of childbirth. Although the exact cause of postpartum depression remains unclear, it is likely that a number or factors are involved. Changing family roles, hormonal changes, stress, marital strife and a family history of mental illness can all contribute to postpartum depression. Common symptoms of postpartum depression include:
If you believe you are suffering from postpartum depression, it is very important that you get proper treatment as soon as possible not only to ensure that your baby is safe and properly cared for but to help you feel like yourself again and enjoy parenthood.
If your physician suspects that you are suffering from postpartum depression, he or she will conduct a complete physical exam and review your medical history. Your physician may order a thyroid screening to detect any hormonal or metabolic abnormalities. You may also be referred for psychiatric evaluation by a UPMC Magee-Womens specialist.
Your physician will determine the best course of treatment for you based on your age, health, medical history, severity and duration of symptoms, tolerance for medications, breastfeeding status, and your personal preferences. Treatments may include:
HOPE Group is a postpartum adjustment support group led by maternal health nurses and a peer who has experienced perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. This group has virtual and in-person options. For more information or to receive links, please call 717-988-9438.
New Parent Network support group is facilitated by an experienced health care provider from UPMC Magee-Womens and Children's Services. An informal time of sharing for new moms and their babies, ages 0-18 months. This group meets virtually from 1 to 2 p.m. every Monday and in person on Thursdays at the Camp Hill Giant Community Center, located at 3301 Trindle Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011. For more information, to receive links, or for group updates and reminders, please email parentchildeducation@upmc.edu.
Maternal Wellness Program
Hosts free programming for new and expecting parents. Classes cover a wide range of topics providing education about the psychological and physical changes that occur in pregnancy and motherhood. For more information, please call 717-988-9438 or email maternalwellness@upmc.edu.
If you're experiencing the signs of postpartum depression, contact PinnacleHealth Psychological Associates at 717-231-8360, UPMC Pinnacle Women's Behavioral Health Specialists at 717-988-9430, or crisis intervention in your county:
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
This hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, in English or Spanish and other languages by request. It is staffed by licensed perinatal mental health and health care providers, childbirth professionals, and certified peer specialists.
The hotline provides immediate access to support, understanding, brief intervention, and resources to all pregnant, postpartum, and post-loss individuals, their partners, and families. It is funded by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and supported by Postpartum Support International.
Call or text the hotline at 1-833-943-5746 any time.
You can also contact Postpartum Support International (PSI) coordinators. PSI provides support, encouragement and information about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression. Visit or call 1-800-944-4773 for local help.
IF YOU BELIEVE YOU MAY HARM YOURSELF OR YOUR BABY, CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER, 911 OR GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT.
Find Pregnancy and Childbirth providers in Central Pa.
PinnacleHealth Psychological Associates
1000 Bent Creek Blvd
Suite 10
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Phone: 717-988-9460
Fax: 717-221-5422
PinnacleHealth Psychological Associates
Located at Brady Building
205 South Front Street
5th floor
Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone: 717-231-8360
Fax: 717-231-8358
24/7 on-call emergency coverage with a therapist is available.
PinnacleHealth Psychological Associates
2640 Carnegie Road
York, PA 17402
Phone: 717-755-0921
UPMC Pinnacle Women's Behavioral Health Specialists
150 Corporate Center Drive
Suite 202
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Phone: 717-988-9430
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