Articles

Postpartum Support

Parents of every culture, age, income level and race can get Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. Symptoms can appear any time during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth. There are effective and well-researched treatment options to help you recover. Although the term “postpartum depression” is often used, there are actually several overlapping illnesses.

How are you feeling now?

While many women may experience some type of mild mood change or “the blues” at some point during or after the birth of a child, one in seven women experience more significant symptoms of depression or anxiety. One in 10 dads become depressed during the first year.

Parents

• Are you feeling sad or depressed?
• Is it difficult for you to enjoy yourself?
• Do you feel more irritable or tense?
• Do you feel anxious or panicky?
• Are you having difficulty bonding with your baby?
• Do you feel as if you are “out of control” or “going crazy”?
• Are you worried that you might hurt your baby or yourself?

Families

• Do you worry that something is wrong but don’t know where to get help?
• Do you think your partner or spouse is struggling with coping?
• Are you worried that it may never get better?

Things you can do

Being a good parent begins with taking care of yourself. When you are well, you can take better care of your baby and your family.

• Talk to a health care provider or counselor trained in perinatal mood or anxiety problems.
• Educate yourself about pregnancy and anxiety and postpartum depression.
• Get support from your family and friends. Don’t forget to ask for help when you need it!
• Join a support group in your area or online.
• Keep active by walking, stretching or whatever type of exercise helps you feel best.
• Get plenty of rest and take time for yourself.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Don’t give up. Keep trying until you find the help you need.

Resources

Crisis Hotlines

2-1-1 Helpline......2-1-1
Call specialists available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Referral to Oklahoma community services for those who need help.

HeartLine

HeartLine serves people needing emotional support, information about and referral to a variety of community services, crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
http://heartlineoklahoma.org/

Infant Crisis Services.......405-528-3663

Assistance with infant/toddler clothing and food. http://www.infantcrisis.org/

Family Builders ......405-232-8226

Offers counseling to parents for the prevention of child abuse. http://familybuildersok.org/contact-us/

Parent Promise.......405-232-2500

Parent-child Center links parents with a support person who understands the many challenges of being a parent, becomes a link to the resources available in your community, and shares helpful information with you and your family. http://occf.org/pp/

Oklahoma Postpartum Depression Hotline.......800-944-4773

http://www.postpartum.net/locations/oklahoma/