Peripartum Mood Disorders Program

Peripartum Mood Disorders describe symptoms that happen during or after pregnancy that can affect the way you feel, think or behave for as long as a year after your baby's birth.

About 1 million people a year struggle with a perinatal or mood disorder. Mothers and fathers can be affected. For example, postpartum depression is the most common complication of childbirth, putting thousands of families at risk each year.

What are Peripartum Mood Disorders? What are the symptoms?

PERIPARTUM MOOD DISORDERS DESCRIBE THE MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS THAT SOME WOMEN EXPERIENCE FROM THE TIME THEY BECOME PREGNANT UP TO A YEAR AFTER A BABY’S BIRTH.
APPROXIMATELY 1 MILLION PEOPLE A YEAR – INCLUDING A FEW MEN - WILL STRUGGLE WITH A PERINATAL MOOD DISORDER.
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION – WHICH OCCURS AFTER THE BABY IS BORN - IS JUST ONE PERIPARTUM MOOD DISORDER. IT IS ALSO THE MOST COMMON COMPLICATION OF CHILDBIRTH.
OTHER PERIPARTUM MOOD DISORDERS INCLUDE OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD) AND ANXIETY.
YOU CAN HAVE A MOOD DISORDER AND NOT FEEL DEPRESSED. THAT’S BECAUSE THE SYMPTOMS OF PERIPARTUM MOOD DISORDERS VARY.
SYMPTOMS COULD INCLUDE TROUBLE SLEEPING, EVEN IF YOU ARE TIRED.
FREQUENT CRYING AND/OR FREQUENT MOOD SWINGS.
FEELINGS OF LONELINESS, SADNESS, OR HELPLESSNESS.
EXCESSIVE ANXIETY, PANIC, WORRY OR ENERGY.
A GENERAL LACK OF INTEREST IN LIFE.
REPETITIVE OR SUSPICIOUS THOUGHTS THAT WON’T GO AWAY, ESPECIALLY THOUGHTS OF HURTING YOURSELF OR YOUR BABY.
DIFFICULTY BONDING WITH, OR LACK OF FEELING TOWARDS, YOUR BABY.
EXCESSIVE FEAR OF BEING LEFT ALONE WITH YOUR BABY.
HEARING VOICES OR SOUNDS THAT OTHER PEOPLE DON’T HEAR.

If being a mom (or dad) doesn’t feel like it should, please contact the Peripartum Mood Disorders Program at 860.545.7200.

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Why should I call the Peripartum Mood Disorders Program?

The Peripartum Mood Disorders Program is here for you and your family. Whether you are a mother or father in need of support, or a family member feeling that something is just not right, please contact your physician or call 860.545.7200 for help.

Perinatal mood disorders are common and can range from baby blues to more severe symptoms. Just as many women need to seek extra help for breastfeeding or other health issues, your emotional health and well-being are just as important.

Every woman is at risk regardless of age, race, education or financial status.

Patient Resources

Mother To Baby Medications and more during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ask the experts.
Call toll-free 866.626.6847
http://mothertobaby.org

Postpartum Support International (PSI)
1.800.944.4773

Postpartum Progress
http://postpartumprogress.org

Download Our Brochure