Postpartum Depression Management FAQ
Q: My mother thinks I have postpartum depression. I'm crying all the time or just snapping at people and I can't seem to sleep even if the baby's sleeping. Is there anything I can do, myself, to feel better?
Dr. Donnica: Here are my Top Tips for PPD Management
- See your physician as soon as you notice you may have PPD symptoms. Work together to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Follow it!
- Communicate with your physician. Inform your doctor promptly about new symptoms or any medication side effects.
- Practice stress management. Many of the symptoms of PPD, as well as those of new motherhood itself, are unpredictable and emotionally draining. We're conditioned to focus only on the baby- don't forget that ideally, a baby needs a healthy mom too.
- Involve your partner and other family members in helping you and the newborn. Delegate. Share responsibilities.
- Ask for help if you need it. That doesn't mean you're weak; it means you're human.
- Housework can wait; put your need for sleep before all non-essential tasks.
- All women should learn during or before their pregnancies that PPD exists, what the symptoms are, that it's common, and that it's treatable.
Click here for more information about depression or other mental
health issues.
Created: 9/24/2000 - Donnica Moore, M.D.
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 Ask for help if you need it. That doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you’re human. 
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