SSRIs (Breastfeeding-Compatible)
Sertraline and escitalopram have minimal transfer to breast milk and are considered first-line for PPD.
Women's Mental Health
Postpartum Depression — Treatment in Maryland
Postpartum depression affects 1 in 7 new mothers — and is often undertreated due to stigma. PPD is not a character flaw or failure as a mother — it is a medical condition with effective treatment.
Schedule a Consultation →Common Signs & Symptoms
- !Persistent sadness or emptiness after delivery
- !Loss of interest in the baby or activities
- !Intense irritability or anger
- !Difficulty bonding with the baby
- !Crying spells disproportionate to circumstances
- !Intrusive thoughts (differentiate from postpartum psychosis)
What Causes This?
- •Dramatic hormonal shifts after delivery
- •Sleep deprivation
- •Prior depression or anxiety history
- •Social isolation and lack of support
- •Traumatic birth experience
Treatment Approaches
Brexanolone (Zulresso)
FDA-approved specifically for PPD — a neurosteroid GABA modulator requiring IV administration.
Therapy
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is highly effective for PPD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will postpartum depression affect my bond with my baby?▾
PPD can make bonding difficult — but treatment restores bonding in virtually all cases. The sooner treatment starts, the sooner bonding improves.
Related Topics
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