Postpartum Depression Treatment Options

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Treating postpartum depression (PPD) early is the best way to help you recover and enjoy time with your new baby and the rest of your family. Exploring postpartum depression treatment options soon will also lessen the effect your depression has on your baby. Babies with depressed mothers often have trouble learning attachment and tend to lag behind in mental and behavioral development.

Postpartum Depression Treatment Options: Counseling
Counseling is often the best treatment for postpartum depression and helps you and your partner adjust to your new life. Cognitive-behavioral therapy allows you to change the way you feel and think, while interpersonal counseling is especially encouraged for postpartum depression. Interpersonal counseling will focus on relationships in your life and the personal changes you must go through with a new baby in your life. It also provides emotional support for setting goals and solving problems in your life.

Antidepressant Medications
Another option is a prescription for antidepressants, which is one of the most effective postpartum depression treatment options available. Medication can provide a great deal of relief for the symptoms of PPD. Because breastfeeding is also important for your child’s health and bonding, you should discuss with your doctor which antidepressants will be safe to use during breastfeeding. A few SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants are considered relatively safe.

Other Postpartum Depression Treatment Options
There may be other options as well that help you recover. Some women hire a part- or full-time helper, or take parenting and infant massage classes to improve the mother-child bonding. Your doctor may also recommend some treatment options or exercises to help you recover from PPD.