Birth and the Blues

Psychotherapy is usually indicated, alone or in conjunction with antidepressant medication, typically one of the SSRIs. But none of them has been approved for use by nursing mothers.

The best treatment for postpartum depression is prevention. Research has identified several strategies that can minimize the emotional upheaval of childbirth.

• It's critically important for women to enlist the help of their spouse and others; every new mother needs social support and the availability of someone she can talk to about her worries and concerns.
• Since the responsibilities of motherhood are learned, prospective mothers need information about their new job.
• Interaction with other people who are experienced parents helps.