Postpartum Depression

The lifetime risk of postpartum depression for any woman is between 10% and 25% (DSM-IV, 1994). Women with symptoms of postpartum depression are strongly encouraged to seek treatment. A small number of women may have symptoms that become severe, potentially leading to psychosis. Some antidepressants used to treat postpartum depression are considered safe to use while breastfeeding. A detailed list of breastfeeding pharmacology resources is included in these web pages. Behavioral health professionals with experience working with postpartum depression are usually sensitive to the needs of breastfeeding mothers and have clinical knowledge of which medications are compatible with breastfeeding. They should be informed when a mother is breastfeeding.

Behavioral Health Providers

Women & Infants Day Hospital (keyword search “Day Hospital”)   274-1122 x2870
2 Dudley Street, 1st Floor, Providence, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The Rhode Island Birth Network posts a comprehensive list of local mental health providers
on their website (click Provider Directory then select Maternal Mental Health from the Specialty pick list).

Websites

The following websites offer resources and support for women and their families coping with postpartum mental health issues.

American Academy of Family Physicians
American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Postpartum Support International
United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health
United States National Institutes of Health: Medline Plus

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__These listings serve as a resource rather than as an endorsement by the Rhode Island Breastfeeding Coalition.