The postpartum period—the weeks following birth—is a joyful and exciting time for mothers. It is a time of transition from pregnancy to motherhood and a critical time for mothers and their babies.
Attending regular checkups and listening to your body during this period is critical for both you and your baby's health. When you take care of yourself, you can better care for your new baby.
Postpartum depression is a mood and anxiety disorder that occurs after birth. It is more intense and lasts longer than baby blues, which describes the worry, sadness, and tiredness many women experience after having a baby.
The symptoms of postpartum depression may include crying more often than usual, feeling angry, irritable, feeling disconnected from your baby, or doubting your ability to care for them.
The good news? You are not alone, and postpartum depression can be treated. Resources are available to help you feel better, and we want to make sure families know how to find them.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 (988va.org). 988 is a three-digit calling code for mental health crisis in Virginia. By calling 988, you can get free immediate help from a trained crisis worker at all hours, every day of the week. If you’re thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, call 988.
Postpartum Support Virginia (PSVA) offers a variety of services to support mental health during pregnancy and after. They also maintain a list of healthcare providers that work with pregnant and postpartum families. They can help you find a provider or connect you to support from a peer, which is someone that has had similar experiences.
Call or text Warmline : 703-829-7152 | Text in English: 540-698-1277 | Texto en Español: 757-550-4234
