Postpartum Depression Support Groups in St. Louis, Missouri

Postpartum Depression Support Groups in St. Louis, Missouri - Postpartum Depression or postpartum adjustment disorder (PPAD) is real and can be debilitating. What should be a joyous time can leave some new moms feeling overwhelmed and severely depressed.

The Baby Blues

Postpartum Depression generally occurs within the first year after childbirth. Mood swings and the "baby blues" are normal the first few days after the baby is born and usually subside within 2 weeks. Postpartum depression can occur immediately after the "baby blues" and may just seem like more of the same or the symptoms can intensify.

Signs of Postpartum Depression

The key to treating Postpartum Depression is recognizing the symptoms and seeking help.

Anxiety, feelings of worthlessness, or a loss of interest in everyday things that lasts more than a week should be brought to your doctor's attention.

Other symptoms include, but are not limited to: moodiness, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, guilt (with no known cause), fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death. Seek immediate assistance if feelings become overwhelming to the point that you feel "out of control."

Postpartum Psychosis

A rare, but more serious condition is postpartum psychosis. According to MayoClinic.com, this condition usually comes on within 2 weeks of delivery and symptoms may include, but are not limited to: attempts to harm the baby or yourself, paranoia, delusional and/or disoriented behavior.

Treatment Options

Your doctor can offer solutions to help you cope with Postpartum Depression. He or she will ask you questions to evaluate the severity of your symptoms and then will suggest some treatment options, such as counseling and/or antidepressant medicines. Another option available to sufferers of PPAD is to join a support group. Support groups help new moms by letting them know that they are not alone.

Support Groups

Mother to Mother© is the only postpartum support group for women in the St. Louis area. They offer phone support and a peer support group to postpartum moms. The support staff is made up of volunteers that have been through postpartum depression themselves. The volunteers lend a sympathetic ear and share some of their own experiences. They offer support and encouragement. These volunteers are not counselors or therapists and do not try to counsel callers, but they do offer resources, if needed, to help the new mom connect to a professional.

The peer support group meets every other Friday from 11am to 12pm. The support group meetings offer a safe environment to express your feelings with others who are going through (or have been through) similar issues.

Mother to Mother© support group meetings are held at:

Women's Healthcare Partnership

425 N New Ballas Rd

Creve Coeur, MO 63141

Call (314)991-5666 Extension 4, for meeting dates and to let the staff know that you plan to attend.