Postpartum Depression
It’s common for new mothers to have the "baby blues," occasional feelings of sadness or anxiety in the days following delivery.
But if you continue to feel down after a couple of weeks, you may be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). This common, treatable condition affects many new mothers—and help is available at Cedars-Sinai.
The Reproductive Psychology Program at Cedars-Sinai provides a range of outpatient services for women living with a mental health condition who are thinking of conceiving a child, currently pregnant or after delivery.
Check the Symptoms
Do you have any of the following signs and symptoms? If so, you may be experiencing postpartum depression. Please consult your doctor for evaluation and treatment.
- Feelings of sadness
- Severe mood swings
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lack of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits
- Panic attacks, nervousness and anxiety
- Excessive worry about your baby
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Fear that you can’t take care of your baby
- Feelings of guilt and inadequacy
- Difficulty accepting motherhood
- Feeling disconnected
Get Help
If you're experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, seek help immediately from your partner, family or a close friend, and call 911.
For more information about screenings and treatment for postpartum depression, visit www.maternalmentalhealthnow.org. You can also find a directory of maternal mental-health resources in Los Angeles County at http://directory.maternalmentalhealthnow.org.
For non-emergency care call your obstetrician, primary care doctor or call Postpartum Support Intl. 1-800-944-4773, www.postpartum.net for referrals and support near you.
Post-Childbirth Screening and Treatment
Clinical Trials
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai are studying how mental health screening and evaluation can help reduce women's risk of postpartum depression. Learn more about the latest obstetrics clinical trials and research programs.