Perinatal / Postpartum Psychiatry at Postpartum Mental Health
What Is Perinatal / Postpartum Psychiatry?
Perinatal Psychiatry
Perinatal psychiatry refers to the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses before and after the birth of a child. It encompasses a longer time period and emphasizes the importance of mental health care for women not only after they give birth but also in the weeks that lead to the beginning of a new life. This is a critical time in a woman’s life – she may struggle with major anxiety, stress and emotional burnout, and social isolation which is why it is essential to pay attention to the needs of a heavily pregnant woman just like the needs of a woman who became a mother a few days ago.
Postpartum Psychiatry
Postpartum psychiatry, on the other hand, deals with mental and behavioral disorders that occur after the woman gives birth. Whether you have postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, or postpartum OCD, a certified psychiatrist will diagnose you correctly, explain what you can personally do to contribute to your mental wellness, and give you a list of prescription drugs meant to stabilize your mood and eliminate the most severe manifestations of the mental illness no matter when it may have started.
Perinatal Psychiatry:
Perinatal psychiatry refers to the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses before and after the birth of a child. It encompasses a longer time period and emphasizes the importance of mental health care for women not only after they give birth but also in the weeks that lead to the beginning of a new life. This is a critical time in a woman’s life – she may struggle with major anxiety, stress and emotional burnout, and social isolation which is why it is essential to pay attention to the needs of a heavily pregnant woman just like the needs of a woman who became a mother a few days ago.
Postpartum Psychiatry:
Postpartum psychiatry, on the other hand, deals with mental and behavioral disorders that occur after the woman gives birth. Whether you have postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, or postpartum OCD, a certified psychiatrist will diagnose you correctly, explain what you can personally do to contribute to your mental wellness, and give you a list of prescription drugs meant to stabilize your mood and eliminate the most severe manifestations of the mental illness no matter when it may have started.
What to Expect in a Postpartum Psychiatry Session?
- Spend the first session getting to know each other - share your symptoms, explain how the manifestations of the mental illness impacted your pregnancy or motherhood, and define the goals you are currently pursuing. A psychiatrist will examine your medical history and take a look at the list of medications you have been taking.
- Be open to communication - there is no reason to hide certain parts of your parenting experience due to guilt or shame. Express your real emotions and disclose the problems you have been struggling with, whether you have a formal diagnosis or you only suspect there is a serious issue.
- A psychiatrist will come up with an individualized treatment plan for you – it will include several medication options, recommendations regarding more intensive and immersive care if your health warrants it, and referrals to other mental health specialists in case you would benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or attachment-based therapy.
How Does Psychiatry Help With Postpartum Mental Health?
In some cases, postpartum anxiety treatment, just like the management of other postpartum health issues, is impossible without the assistance of psychotherapy – a woman may need a higher level of mental health care
In some cases, postpartum anxiety treatment, just like the management of other postpartum health issues, is impossible without the assistance of psychotherapy – a woman may need a higher level of mental health care to be able to function normally for her own sake and the sake of her newborn. Take a look at how psychiatry improves the mental well-being of a new mother:
Although the guidance of a psychiatrist will play a major role in the patient’s recovery, it is not the only source of support for a struggling new mother – she will have access to both psychotherapy and psychiatry, which improves the outcome no matter how severe her current condition is.
Sometimes, mindfulness and stress reduction techniques or family therapy are not enough, especially when there are several problems that overshadow the life of a new mom at the same time – if you are dealing with birth trauma and PTSD or are scared because of regular panic attacks, a psychiatrist can be the best option for you.
Although therapists are often able to recognize bipolar disorder or ADHD in a pregnant woman or a new mother, it may be tough for them to identify a problem that has yet to bother the patient as well as offer her appropriate treatment. A psychiatrist, however, will detect the issue and do their best to prevent it from manifesting.
Although the guidance of a psychiatrist will play a major role in the patient’s recovery, it is not the only source of support for a struggling new mother – she will have access to both psychotherapy and psychiatry, which improves the outcome no matter how severe her current condition is.
Sometimes, mindfulness and stress reduction techniques or family therapy are not enough, especially when there are several problems that overshadow the life of a new mom at the same time – if you are dealing with birth trauma and PTSD or are scared because of regular panic attacks, a psychiatrist can be the best option for you.
Although therapists are often able to recognize bipolar disorder or ADHD in a pregnant woman or a new mother, it may be tough for them to identify a problem that has yet to bother the patient as well as offer her appropriate treatment. A psychiatrist, however, will detect the issue and do their best to prevent it from manifesting.
Benefits of Psychiatric Services at Postpartum Mental Health
One of the key advantages of postnatal psychiatry at our clinic is the tailored approach to mental health care. It is our goal to find the treatment option that works for you and ensure your needs and preferences are taken into account as you reclaim your well-being.
Our psychiatrists have extensive experience working with mothers of all ages and backgrounds – we know how to create a safe and supportive environment for a patient and help her regain a sense of connection and belonging.
We can find the right treatment for various perinatal mood disorders – we can help you manage postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD, and bipolar disorder to bring back stability into your life.
Instead of making sure a new mother is no longer bothered by a specific manifestation of a mental health condition, we do our best to analyze her mental health overall, identify underlying issues that may become a problem later, and improve her wellness by strengthening the relationship between her body and mind.
Postpartum / Perinatal Psychiatry Near Me
Numerous new mothers do not even begin searching for mental health facilities when they experience difficulties – they cannot imagine devoting several hours of their day to commuting to the clinic and back to put themselves first. Luckily, postpartum psychiatry is more accessible than ever – you do not have to leave your house to talk to a psychiatrist. At Postpartum Mental Health, we offer virtual psychiatry services that will help you cope with life stressors, address your complex needs, and rebuild your life if you feel like you are no longer in control.
Start Feeling Like Yourself Again
Seeking professional psychiatric help is a tough choice, especially if you believe in various misconceptions about psychiatric care or do not want other people to know about the issues you have before giving birth or postpartum. Do not let these false notions stop you from getting the help you need – make the right choice for your own sake and the sake of your newborn child.
Undergo postpartum depression treatment or lessen the impact of postpartum rage on yourself and your family – reach out to Postpartum Mental Health now, regain a sense of security, and figure out how to maintain mental health stability.
- (949) 603-1766
- admisions@postpartummh.com
- Unit 200, 129 W Wilson, St Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA
Perinatal / Postpartum Psychiatry FAQs
Whether you are breastfeeding or not, most medications can be taken safely without harming you and your newborn child – if you need to take a painkiller or get rid of the symptoms of the cold, you can do it as you always have done. When it comes to psychiatric medications, however, make sure you consult with a specialist and share your medical history – antidepressants and mood stabilizers benefit your health but you have to be assessed by a psychiatrist before getting a prescription.
While in general, a patient is expected to obtain a referral to get direct access to psychiatric services after getting an approval from their physician or therapist who observed their condition and came to the conclusion they must be under psychiatric supervision, this is not a mandatory requirement at our facility – women in need of perinatal mental health treatment can see a psychiatrist after a thorough evaluation.
Individual therapy focuses on conversations between the therapist and the patient, as well as interventions that can be made to change the behavior of the latter or to help them navigate their emotions in a more productive way. A psychiatrist is able to oversee the medication management and adjust the treatment plan which makes this form of treatment shorter yet more effective in some instances.
Our clinic specializes in virtual postpartum psychiatric care – we know how essential it is for new mothers to avoid unnecessary travel after they give birth, which is why you can connect with your psychiatrist online.
Postpartum Mental Health accepts most insurance plans – you can ask your insurance provider if their company is willing to cover the cost of your postpartum treatment. In case they refuse, get in touch with us to talk about alternative methods of payment.
