Postpartum Depression

How To Treat Postpartum Depression Naturally

Treating postpartum depression naturally can take many forms and will promote healing throughout your body.

A Healthy Path Out of Postpartum Depression

Pregnancy and caring for a new baby can cause many emotions, highs and lows. While there is most certainly joy, new mothers and even fathers can experience negative emotions such as anxiety, sadness, emptiness, and may not feel connected to their baby.

“Baby blues” affect up to 75% of women but feeling these types of emotions for over two weeks can mean you are experiencing postpartum depression, a more severe form of those emotions. Although many feel ashamed for feeling this way, there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Many people are affected by this condition and there is help available. We will work with you so you can find your way through postpartum depression naturally.

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Our Holistic Approach to Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression affects 1 in 9 women and can be a result of hormone changes and/or external factors that come with caring for a baby. This condition can have a serious impact on behaviors and your health, as well as the health of your baby. Because this condition can affect sleep, energy, and the ability to care for yourself and the baby, we approach treatment through a holistic lens.

Holistic treatment for postpartum depression starts with us discussing your health, feelings, medical history, other treatments you are receiving, and anything else you wish to share. We will then create a tailored plan that can include acupuncture, Chinese herbs, or a combination of both.

Natural Remedies for Postpartum Depression

Treating postpartum depression will likely involve several avenues. Your healthcare provider may prescribe antidepressants to help relieve depression symptoms and/or may refer you to a mental health professional for psychotherapy.

A postpartum depression natural treatment plan can include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, joining a support group, eating healthy, exercising, and getting help with overwhelming chores. Dealing with postpartum depression naturally can take many forms and will promote healing throughout your body. 

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Acupuncture

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Herbal Medicine

Acupuncture and Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a serious condition that can leave you feeling empty, emotionless, sad, and anxious. In addition to the stress of a major life change, depression can be caused by the severe drop in estrogen and progesterone that occurs after giving birth and/or a drop in thyroid gland hormone production. Acupuncture can help you recover by moderating hormones and emotions. Treatments address the underlying cause of postpartum depression and work to improve mood, energy levels, focus, and engagement levels.

During treatment, patients can expect to have acupuncture needles placed on the head, chest, legs, forearms, and ears. Results can vary based on the severity of symptoms and a number of factors, however, some patients begin to experience results in as little as 4-5 treatments. Other patients may need 12 weeks or more of weekly or biweekly treatments to experience sustained results.

Herbs for Postpartum Depression

Chinese herbal remedies for postpartum depression help treat the symptoms of depression while also helping the physical body recover from giving birth. Chinese herbs for postpartum depression work to improve psycho-emotional symptoms, including energy levels, anxiety, mood, sleep, focus, and engagement. Many report that it helps dull the harshness of intense emotions. Additionally, herbs help the uterus return to normal size, improve breast milk production, and help organs recover by improving blood production.

Results can vary based on a number of factors, however, some patients begin to experience results in as little as 2-4 weeks. Other patients may need 8-12 weeks to experience sustained results. Each formula and treatment plan is custom-created for each patient, taking into consideration lifestyle, medical history, goals, breastfeeding desires, and any other factor that may play a role in mental and physical health.

Compassionate and Natural Support

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Adam is Compassionate and Supportive

I had a wonderful experience working with Adam over several years as a patient. Along with providing excellent care, I found him to be compassionate and supportive as we worked to achieve my health goals. I have and will continue to recommend him as a knowledgeable and caring acupuncture provider.

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Quiz – Do I have Postpartum Depression?

Do I have Postpartum Depression?

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is a serious mental illness that can result in feelings of emptiness, sadness, emotionlessness, bouts of crying, anxiety, and more. Upwards of 75% of postpartum moms experience “baby blues” after giving birth but if the feelings persist for more than two weeks, it is likely postpartum depression. The severity can range from mild to severe and can start during pregnancy up to a year after giving birth. It can be caused by a drop in hormone production and can have negative effects on both the mom and baby. Contact your healthcare professional if you experience postpartum depression symptoms. 

How Common Is Postpartum Depression?

One in nine mothers experiences postpartum depression. Many new mothers feel some level of sadness or anxiety postpartum, which is referred to as the “baby blues,” but symptoms lasting for more than two weeks may be an indication of postpartum depression. Although many who develop this condition may feel a sense of shame, embarrassment, or guilt, it is very common and treatable. Consult your healthcare professional if you experience postpartum depression symptoms. 

What Causes Postpartum Depression?

More research is being done on the exact cause of postpartum depression but there may be a link between the severe drop in hormone levels of estrogen and progesterone that occurs after giving birth and depression. Other factors such as the social and psychological changes associated with having a baby increase the risk of developing postpartum depression. 

Is Postpartum Depression Genetic?

Any mom can develop postpartum depression no matter if they have given birth before or if this is their first time. There are some risk factors that can increase the chance of experiencing postpartum depression, including having a family member with depression or other mood disorders. 

When Does Postpartum Depression Start?

Postpartum depression can start before giving birth and can develop up to a year after giving birth. Feelings of anxiety and stress are not uncommon during such a big life change but having feelings of sadness, emptiness, emotionlessness, loss of appetite, and/or trouble sleeping for over two weeks is an indication of postpartum depression. 

How Long Does Postpartum Depression Last?

Postpartum depression can last a year after the birth of your baby. It can also last longer and get worse if not treated. It’s important to continuously care for your physical, emotional, and mental health. Check in with your healthcare provider(s) to discuss your feelings and mental state. 

Can Postpartum Depression Come and Go?

Postpartum depression can vary in severity and can feel different depending on the person. Feelings can include sadness, emptiness, anxiety, and emotionlessness. Some may lose their appetite and/or have trouble sleeping, resulting in fatigue and low energy levels. You may not feel all of these symptoms and the symptoms can change but feeling one or more of these for over two weeks can be considered postpartum depression. 

Can You Have Postpartum Depression While Pregnant?

Yes, you can have postpartum depression while pregnant. Symptoms can start while pregnant and can start up to a year after giving birth. 

Can You Have Postpartum Depression After a Miscarriage?

Having a miscarriage can cause significant shifts in emotional health as well as physical health changes. Women can experience postpartum depression after having a miscarriage. Contact your healthcare provider if you are experiencing depression symptoms after a miscarriage. 

Can Men Get Postpartum Depression?

It is possible for men to experience postpartum depression due to the big changes in emotions and lifestyle. The demands of a new baby can be overwhelming, leading to stress, anxiety, sadness, loss of appetite, fatigue, and sleep issues. If you experience these symptoms for more than two weeks, consult your healthcare provider. It’s important to treat postpartum depression for the health of you and your baby.  

How To Know If You Have Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression can feel like the “baby blues” but the condition is more severe and lasts longer. Symptoms can start while pregnant and can develop up to a year after giving birth. If untreated, this condition can have a negative impact on the care of your baby and your everyday life. If you experience sadness, emptiness, emotionlessness, anxiety, bouts of crying, loss of appetite, and/or trouble sleeping for over two weeks you may have postpartum depression. 

What Are the Signs of Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression can range in severity and can start during pregnancy, a few days after giving birth, or up to a year after giving birth. Symptoms of postpartum depression may include: 

  • Feeling depressed 
  • Severe mood swings
  • Crying often
  • Difficulty forming a bond with your baby 
  • Change in eating habits (eating too little or overeating) 
  • Change in sleeping habits (trouble sleeping or sleeping too much) 
  • Fatigue 
  • Feeling emptiness or emotionlessness
  • Loss of energy 
  • Less interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
  • Irritability and anger
  • Fear that you’re not a good mother/parent
  • Hopelessness
  • Feelings of shame, guilt, or inadequacy
  • Poor concentration and reduced ability to think clearly
  • Restlessness
  • Pulling away from family and/or friends
  • Severe anxiety and panic attacks
  • Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
  • Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

How To Treat Postpartum Depression?

It’s important to inform your healthcare provider(s) if you are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression. Recommendations for treatment may include medication and/or therapy. You can also combine medical treatment with natural remedies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbs, exercise, an improved diet, joining a support group, and asking for help with overwhelming tasks. 

How To Prevent Postpartum Depression?

If you have a history of depression and/or postpartum depression, you should inform your healthcare provider if you are planning on getting pregnant or as soon as you know you are pregnant. Keep up with regular check-ins throughout your pregnancy and postpartum so your symptoms can be closely monitored. 

Can Acupuncture Help Postpartum Depression?

Yes, acupuncture can help postpartum depression by moderating hormones and emotions. Treatments can improve mood, energy levels, focus, and engagement. Acupuncture can also help improve your physical health after giving birth by improving blood production which helps organs recover. 

Can Chinese Herbal Medicine Be Used To Treat Postpartum Depression?

Chinese herbal medicine can treat postpartum depression. Herbs can improve psycho-emotional symptoms, helping with sleep, focus, anxiety, energy, and mood. Herbs can also help the uterus return to normal size and improve breast milk production. After an herbal consultation, we can help find the right herbal treatment plan for you. 

What To Expect

You can expect to find a partner in your health journey.

At Transformational Acupuncture, we strive to provide a welcoming environment to each and every patient. We understand traditional healthcare can make some wary of seeking help, even if it’s for the betterment of their health. That’s why we take a holistic approach when treating each person. You will be listened to, treated with respect, and be seen as a true partner in your own health journey.

At the beginning of your treatment you’ll be asked some basic questions so we can establish a good baseline. From there we’ll discuss your specific needs and issues. After hearing from you, we’ll create a holistic plan that is designed to help you live the balanced, healthy life you deserve.

Your Patient Journey

At the beginning of your treatment, you’ll be asked some basic questions so we can establish a good baseline. From there we will discuss your specific needs and issues. After hearing from you, we will create a holistic plan that is designed to help you live the balanced, healthy life you deserve.

Learn more about your complete patient journey.

Get Started Today

Begin your holistic health journey by scheduling an appointment today. Schedule online or give us a call at (202) 297-7404.

To learn if your insurance covers acupuncture and other treatments, please fill out our short form to verify your benefits with us.

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