Anxiety and depression during pregnancy are quite common. In fact, 20% of pregnant people will experience a mental health issue either during pregnancy or afterwards. Perinatal mental health conditions are characterized as onset of depression, anxiety, or OCD during pregnancy or the first year afterwards. Additionally, some women may have their first manic episode during pregnancy or postpartum indicating that they have bipolar disorder. Of course, some women already struggle with these issues, take medications, and desire pregnancy. We can help with medication during pregnancy.
We believe strongly, at Nurtured Well, that mental health should not be an impediment to parenthood. We guide you safely through this transformative time in your life. Postpartum issues are treatable. If you already take medication, do not stop. We will carefully review your history and discuss risks, benefits, and options. There are actually risks to untreated mental health issues for your baby.
Many PMHNPs, therapists, and psychiatrists claim to treat postpartum depression. However, this is a specialty area with information that rapidly changes. It is often referred to as “reproductive psychiatry”. At Nurtured Well, all of our PMHNPs stay current with the research and have completed training through Postpartum Support International, The Center for Women’s Mental Health at MGH, and other high quality sources.
This is important because there is so much misinformation about medication in pregnancy and breastfeeding. In a nutshell, the risks of depression, anxiety, and the such are often worse than the risks of medication.
We start by creating a warm and accepting environment. We are not here to judge you. In fact, our clinicians sought working here because they are passionate about helping women through postpartum depression and anxiety. We start with a careful evaluation, asking you about your goals. We then form a plan together. This may involve medication, counseling, lifestyle changes or a combination of all three. If you are afraid of medication but feel it’s your best choice, we will support you through your fears. We will also coordinate care with our OB/Midwife or psychotherapist if you are seeing one outside of our practice.
The Nurse Practitioners of Nurtured Well want you to have a happy and healthy pregnancy. We understand your fears and will give you the best options for your pregnancy journey. Chances are, you put a lot of thought into where you will deliver your baby, what their nursery will look like, and more. Isn’t your mental health worth just as much? Contact us today to get started.
3 Steps To Help Postpartum Depression
- Schedule 2. See one of our skilled NPs 3. Enjoy your pregnancy!
