What are Perinatal or Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD)?

Postpartum Depression (PPD) & Baby Blues

We tend to think that the event of becoming a mother should be nothing but joyous, but the excitement of having a new baby can be overshadowed by feelings of sadness, worry, anxiety, and of course, sleeplessness. Many new moms experience these feelings shortly after giving birth - often referred to as Baby Blues.

As a mother caring for a new infant (and potentially older children) in addition to managing normal responsibilities, feelings of depression are especially problematic. Postpartum Depression (PPD) occurs in 10-15% of women in the 6 months following childbirth. Baby Blues occur for a few hours each day and should disappear within 14 days after delivery. Postpartum Depression, on the other hand, can occur within 4 weeks to 2-3 months after childbirth, and can last up to a year.

Baby Blues tend to appear around 3-5 days after the baby is born, and the mom will often experience symptoms for about 2 weeks. The symptoms of Baby Blues are seen in 75% of women, so it is important to remember that you are not alone.

Some common symptoms of Baby Blues can include:

• Irritability

• Fatigue

• Sadness

Postpartum Depression (PPD) symptoms are often more severe, and can include:

• Aggression

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood

• Irritability

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness, or helplessness

• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities

• Fatigue or abnormal decrease in energy

• Persistent doubts about the ability to care for the new baby

Anxiety During/After Pregnancy

Do you feel like you’re constantly thinking about your baby’s needs, and worrying if you made the right decisions? Do you wonder why everyone else seems to be smiling and have their lives together? Why don’t you feel like that?

You are not alone - anxiety is common during or after pregnancy. In fact, Postpartum Anxiety is even more common than Postpartum Depression!

Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety

​While it is normal to have anxiety after birth or during pregnancy, sometimes you need a little extra help adjusting to motherhood. Here are some signs your Postpartum Anxiety may need professional help:

• Racing thoughts

• Mood swings

• Worrying about too many things

• Difficulty controlling the worry

• Fatigue and sleep problems

• Intrusive/worse-case scenario thinking

How Dr. Foreman can help you with Perinatal or Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Over the past 8 years Dr. Foreman has focused her practice on women’s health, specifically, perinatal/postpartum anxiety and depression, infertility issues, grief/loss and chronic illness. Using a CBT-based approach, she works with moms to identify and acknowledge automatic thoughts and intrusive thinking, in order to become more aware of them and develop new and more helpful perspectives. Treatment is focused on helping moms to develop coping strategies so that she can feel more able to manage the stress that comes with caring for a new baby.

Dr. Foreman believes strongly in the effectiveness of the integrative behavioral health care model. Through an integrative team of medical and mental health providers, patients are offered the most collaborate and comprehensive care, all in one place. Dr. Foreman currently works in two OB-GYN practices, offering therapy and consultation to women and couples. She does accept outside referrals.