Conditions we treat
Postpartum & Perinatal Mood Disorders
Becoming a parent is one of life’s most significant transitions — and for many, it comes with unexpected emotional struggles. You are not failing. You are not alone.
What are perinatal mood disorders?
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are mental health conditions that can emerge during pregnancy or in the year following childbirth. They affect an estimated one in five birthing people — and they are far more than the “baby blues.” They are real, treatable medical conditions, and reaching out for help is a strength, not a failure.
At The Psychiatric Center, we treat postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD, perinatal grief and loss, and postpartum psychosis (a rare but serious emergency requiring immediate care). We also support partners, as postpartum mood disorders affect non-birthing parents too.
We understand that reaching out for help while caring for an infant can feel impossible — especially when you’re exhausted, isolated, or ashamed of how you feel. We make the process as accessible as possible, and we coordinate with your OB-GYN, pediatrician, or midwife when helpful.
How perinatal mood disorders can present
Depression and anxiety
Persistent sadness, tearfulness, or emptiness that lasts more than two weeks. Excessive worry about the baby’s health or safety. Intrusive, unwanted thoughts — often disturbing, which doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent, but does mean it’s worth evaluating. Difficulty bonding, or feelings of emotional numbness.
Physical and cognitive symptoms
Sleep disturbances beyond the usual newborn exhaustion. Changes in appetite. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions. Physical symptoms like headaches or chest tightness. Feeling “not like yourself” in a way that doesn’t lift.
Warning signs needing immediate care
Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby. Seeing or hearing things others don’t. Feeling disconnected from reality. Confusion or rapid mood changes. These are signs of postpartum psychosis or severe depression and need urgent evaluation — please call us or go to an emergency room.
Quick facts
- Affects roughly 1 in 5 birthing people
- Can emerge anytime during pregnancy through 1 year postpartum
- Highly treatable, even while breastfeeding
- Also affects partners and non-birthing parents
Related conditions
Our approach
How we treat perinatal mood disorders
01
Understand
We start with a careful evaluation, including screening tools validated for the perinatal period. We take into account pregnancy or breastfeeding status, sleep, hormones, and your specific life circumstances.
02
Build a plan
Treatment often combines therapy, medication when appropriate (including options compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding), and practical support for sleep and recovery. We prioritize what works for your reality, not an idealized one.
03
Support you
We coordinate with your OB-GYN, midwife, or pediatrician as needed, adjust treatment through transitions, and stay with you as the first year unfolds. Recovery is not linear, and we expect the plan to evolve.
Common questions
Frequently asked
Is what I’m feeling just the baby blues?
Baby blues typically resolve within two weeks of delivery. If symptoms persist beyond that, worsen, or interfere meaningfully with daily life or bonding, it’s worth evaluating. There’s no downside to being assessed.
Can I take medication while breastfeeding?
Yes — several medications are considered safe during breastfeeding, and we’ll choose carefully based on your specific situation. The risks of untreated postpartum depression or anxiety often outweigh the risks of well-chosen medication.
What if I’m having scary thoughts about my baby?
Intrusive, unwanted thoughts are common in postpartum anxiety and OCD — having them does not mean you will act on them. Tell us. These thoughts respond well to treatment, and naming them out loud is often the first step toward relief.
Does my partner need support too?
Partners and non-birthing parents can also develop perinatal mood disorders. If they’re struggling, they deserve evaluation too — and we’re happy to see them.
You don’t have to go through this alone
Call us to schedule an evaluation. Most new patients are seen within one to two weeks.