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Postpartum depression affects 1 in 7 new mothers — and is treatable. You are not alone and you are not a bad parent.
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mental health condition that can develop after childbirth. It is not the "baby blues" — which is a mild, brief period of emotional adjustment after delivery. PPD is more intense, lasts longer, and requires professional treatment.
PPD can also affect fathers and non-birthing partners. DLH Consulting provides compassionate, non-judgmental evaluation and treatment for postpartum mood conditions.
Postpartum depression should be evaluated as soon as symptoms appear — you do not need to wait until your 6-week postpartum checkup. Any mood symptoms that persist beyond the first two weeks after delivery, are severe, or are interfering with your ability to care for yourself or your baby warrant prompt evaluation. Warning signs include feeling detached from your baby, having intrusive thoughts about harm coming to your baby (which are distressing and contrary to your wishes — this is different from postpartum psychosis), significant depression or anxiety, inability to sleep even when the baby is sleeping, rage or irritability that feels out of control, and feeling like a bad parent or like your baby would be better off without you. Postpartum depression is not your fault. You are not a bad parent. It is a medical condition caused by hormonal changes and is highly treatable.
DLH Consulting provides compassionate, non-judgmental postpartum psychiatric care. We understand the unique concerns of new parents — including anxiety about medications during breastfeeding, stigma around postpartum mental health, and the challenge of attending appointments with a newborn. Several antidepressants are considered safe during breastfeeding with low transfer to breast milk, and we will discuss your options thoroughly so you can make an informed decision. We also screen and treat paternal postpartum depression, which affects approximately 1 in 10 fathers and is often overlooked. Telehealth is fully available for postpartum care — you can attend your appointment from home without arranging childcare.
Most people with postpartum depression experience significant improvement within 4-6 weeks of starting antidepressant medication. Many achieve full remission within 3-6 months. We recommend continuing medication for at least 6-12 months to prevent recurrence. Postpartum anxiety, which is as common as postpartum depression and often co-occurs, responds to the same treatments. We take a whole-person approach to postpartum care that includes sleep, support systems, and partner involvement when appropriate.
Our intake coordinator will reach out within 2 business days of receiving your completed intake forms.
Complete Intake Forms (774) 929-7420Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: 516 Hawthorn St., Dartmouth, MA
Telehealth: Available statewide
We accept most major plans including:
Mild mood swings, crying, and anxiety in the first 2 weeks after birth. Normal and temporary — resolves on its own.
Persistent depression, anxiety, and exhaustion after childbirth that interferes with daily functioning and caring for your baby.
Excessive worry, racing thoughts, and physical anxiety symptoms following childbirth — often overlooked.
Intrusive, unwanted thoughts about harm coming to the baby, causing significant distress.
A rare but serious condition requiring immediate emergency care — involving hallucinations, delusions, and confusion after delivery.
Baby blues are mild, begin within 2-3 days of delivery, and resolve within 2 weeks. Postpartum depression is more severe, lasts longer than 2 weeks, and significantly interferes with your ability to function and care for your baby. If symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks or are severe, seek evaluation.
Yes. Several antidepressants are considered safe during breastfeeding, with low transfer to breast milk. Your provider will discuss the safest options for you and your baby. Untreated PPD also poses risks — to both you and your baby's development.
Yes. Paternal postpartum depression affects approximately 1 in 10 fathers. It tends to occur somewhat later (3-6 months after birth) and may present more as irritability and withdrawal than sadness.
Most people see improvement within 4-6 weeks of starting antidepressant medication. Therapy can provide faster symptomatic relief. With treatment, most people with PPD fully recover.
Yes. Postpartum depression is covered as a mental health condition by all major insurance plans, including MassHealth and Medicare.
DLH Consulting treats a full range of mental health conditions. Learn more about other conditions we commonly treat:
Insurance We Accept
Our board-certified PMHNPs are accepting new patients in Dartmouth, MA — in-person and via telehealth statewide.