Postpartum Mental Health Resources
Below is a list of resources if you struggle with postpartum mental health and/or mood disorders.
Online
Postpartum International
An international organization that aims to build a social support network for pregnant and new moms in every community worldwide.
Postpartum Support International Blog
Highlighting Julia’s Story!
Postpartum Progress Blog
Katherine Stone blogs about PPD goings-on throughout the US and Canada. Her story and those of her readers are touching and healing. Also very informative and up-to-date.
MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health
The Harvard program that is responsible for the best and most credible information on medications.
Bring Change 2 Mind
A non-profit organization working together to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness through widely distributed public education materials and programs based on the latest scientific insights and measured for effectiveness.
Postpartum Stress Center
The Postpartum Stress Center, LLC, has distinguished itself as the premier treatment and professional training center for prenatal and postpartum depression & anxiety. In addition to this area of expertise, we offer a full range of general counseling services to individuals or couples seeking support.
Websites to Help Organize Gifts of Support
Books
Mothering Through the Darkness
By Jessica Smock and Stephanie Sprenger
Series of essays by authors of all ages that had a PMAD experience.
This Isn’t What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression
By Karen Klieman, MSW & Valerie Raskin, MD
The Postpartum Husband
By Karen Klieman, MSW
Beyond the Blues: A Guide to Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression
By Shoshana Bennett, PhD & Pec Indman, EdD, MFT
Postpartum Survival Guide
By Ann Dunnewald, PhD & Diane G. Sanford, PhD
Dropping the Baby and Other Scary Thoughts
By Karen Kleiman, MSW
Great for any type of anxious thinking with strategies as well as information.
Self-Care Ideas
- Talk with your doctor immediately about your concerns! If you have concerns or want additional information, we can provide you with resources in your community.
- Confide in someone you trust.
- Take breaks from the baby by asking for help from family and friends or a postpartum doula.
- Eat healthy and try to exercise – even a short walk each day can help!
- Cut down on extra activities, commitments, and household tasks.
- Avoid rigid or overwhelming schedules and routines.
- Don’t give up outside interests.
- Give yourself permission to have negative thoughts and feelings.
- Screen phone calls.
It takes courage to ask for help. The faster you get help, the sooner and more effectively you will begin recovery.
Remember, these tips are temporary solutions. Often long-term options such as support, counseling, and medical treatment are necessary. We can assist you in finding help. If you are suffering, don’t hesitate to contact our confidential phone line. We will listen to your message and return your call within 24 hours.
913-677-1300, in Kansas and Missouri.
Postnatal Depression Scale
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Screening Scale English & Spanish
Reproduce as needed, citing the copyright information. A score of 11 or more indicates depression. Women who score a 9-10 are at great risk for depression or may be experiencing mild symptoms. Be sure to look at item 10, a screening question for suicidal ideations. A 2 or higher on this item needs an immediate mental health evaluation.
