Postpartum Depression: Tips for Talking with Your Doctor
By The Postpartum Stress Center (www.postpartumstress.com). © 2002. Reprinted with permission.
Last Reviewed:January 2006
Choose the doctor you are most comfortable with, whether it's your Obstetrician, Pediatrician or Family doctor.
Select the doctor you feel you can trust and who is least likely to dismiss your concerns. Most women wait
longer than they should to let their doctor know how they are feeling. The longer you wait, the longer it will take
to feel better. Let your doctor know as soon as you become worried about the way you are feeling.
Get information about PPD. Learn about it so you can be adequately informed and ask the questions you need
to ask. Do not be afraid to talk about your feelings. Be as specific as possible. Write down your symptoms,
your questions and your concerns so you don't forget to mention anything. Bring the list to the office with you.
Be sure to mention any previous experience with depression/anxiety.
Make sure your doctor knows how bad you are feeling. If some things are hard to talk about, try anyway. Let
your doctor know if you are having scary thoughts or symptoms that are frightening you. These are symptoms,
not reflections of your ability to be a good mother. Good mothers feel bad, too.
Do not let your fears of what they will think stop you from saying what you need to say. You will not be labeled
"crazy" or a "bad mother." Do not overburden yourself with the pressure of trying to "look good" or keep up
appearances. It might feel better in the short run, but it will interfere with your recovery and may prevent you
from getting the proper assistance.
Ask your doctor to check your thyroid functioning and do a complete blood count so you can rule out any
physical factors contributing to your symptoms.
If your doctor suggests antidepressant medication, make sure and take the time to ask all your questions. Do
not hesitate to ask any and ALL questions you have, no matter how "silly" you think they may be. This is your
body and you have a right to ask all questions before you make the decision to take the medication. Also make
sure you make a follow up appointment with this doctor so s/he can monitor your adjustment to the meds. If
you are breastfeeding, keep in mind that all medications are excreted through the breast milk, but many
antidepressants have been studied and determined to be compatible with breastfeeding. Make sure your
doctor is well-informed and discuss all of your concerns before you decide what is best for you and your baby.
Ask for a referral to a good therapist who can help support you during this difficult transition.
If for ANY reason, you feel your concerns are being minimized, or not taken seriously or judged or casually
disregarded, you are not in the right place. You can let your doctor know this directly, or you can simply ask for
a referral to another doctor who is better able to meet the needs of postpartum women.
It's essential that you be taken care of by a physician who understands and treats the complex needs of
postpartum women with compassion. You are entitled to this and it will feel comforting when you find it.
If it would be helpful, ask your partner or a friend to accompany you for further support. This can be a good
way to double check the information you're getting and help you clarify things later, since there may be a lot of
information at one time.
Remember that even though it's hard to do when you are feeling bad, YOU need to advocate for your best
health care. YOU need to be clear about what you need and determine whether those needs are being met or
not. You have the right to expect your doctor to be informed and supportive. You also have the right to be an
active participant in your healthcare and treatment plan.