Postpartum Depression

About one in nine mothers in the United States will develop postpartum depression in the weeks after childbirth. To help you find relief from persistent sadness, hopelessness, and mood swings, Melissa Quinn, MD, specializes in integrative postpartum care. Dr. Quinn offers treatment plans using mindfulness techniques, nutraceuticals, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). She can also prescribe medications if necessary to improve your mental health, so you can enjoy life with your new baby. Call the office in the Westwood area of Los Angeles, California, today to schedule a postpartum depression screening or book an appointment online.

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is a type of persistent depression that affects women after childbirth.

This condition is different from the “baby blues” some new moms experience in the first two weeks after delivery. Baby blues describes fluctuating emotions, mood swings, and anxiety that can result from sleep deprivation and the challenges of caring for a new baby.

When you have postpartum depression, your symptoms will be more intense and last for several months or longer.

When should I seek medical help for postpartum depression?

If you have thoughts about harming yourself or your baby because of postpartum depression, call 911 immediately or visit the nearest hospital to get emergency medical attention. 

If you’re not facing an emergency, you can schedule a postpartum depression screening at the office of Melissa Quinn, MD, if you have symptoms that affect your quality of life and your ability to care for yourself or your baby.

Symptoms of postpartum depression can include:

• Insomnia
• Excessive crying
• Severe mood swings
• Persistent sadness and hopelessness
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Loss of interest in usual activities

Postpartum depression can also cause severe anxiety, panic attacks, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Dr. Quinn offers comprehensive screenings for postpartum depression. She might also request blood testing to ensure you don’t have a hormone imbalance or other condition that affects your moods and mental health.

Based on the results of your testing and the severity of your symptoms, Dr. Quinn customizes a treatment plan to manage postpartum depression.

How is postpartum depression treated?

To ease your postpartum depression symptoms, Dr. Quinn takes a holistic approach to your care. She focuses on your physical, mental, and emotional health to ensure you can meet your responsibilities as a mom and enjoy a higher quality of life.

Your treatment plan for postpartum depression may include:

• Psychotherapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness techniques
• Medications
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

Dr. Quinn may also recommend dietary changes you can make to improve your moods and optimize your overall health. She can suggest high-quality nutraceuticals to ensure you're giving your body what it needs to function properly. Nutraceuticals and diet improvements can also increase your energy levels and reduce the negative effects of sleep deprivation.

You can continue meeting with Dr. Quinn in-office or through telemedicine appointments to ensure your treatment is working well.

Call the office of Melissa Quinn, MD, today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for postpartum depression symptoms or book a consultation online.