No one expects postpartum depression (PPD) to be part of their story, but being prepared can help make a difference. Hearing from moms who have faced PPD can make you feel more confident about raising a yellow flag if the time comes.
Any woman can experience the yellow flags, or potential signs and symptoms, that come with postpartum depression (PPD) — whether it’s your first baby or you already have children. Learn about the importance of being prepared for postpartum from an OBGYN and hear how real moms recognized their own yellow flags.
After the birth of her third child, Chelsea started to experience some symptoms of PPD but didn’t recognize the yellow flags right away. Hear how Chelsea was able to find the support she needed.
Ashley began having certain signs and symptoms of PPD after having her second baby. See how she recognized her own PPD yellow flags while managing other aspects of her mental health.
Dr. Ali is an OBGYN and a mother, so she understands how important it is for expecting moms to be aware of the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of PPD. Learn how she’s helping her patients by raising awareness about PPD yellow flags.
Postpartum depression is one of the most common medical conditions associated with pregnancy.
Find out how to spot yellow flags and how to reach out for support.
“Raising a yellow flag is never a burden or an inconvenience. All moms deserve the help they need, and learning about PPD yellow flags during pregnancy can be the first step toward finding support.”
DR. ALI R.,
MOM OF TWO AND BOARD-CERTIFIED OB/GYN
PAID SPOKESPERSON
SUPPORT
Start the conversation about PPD
Figuring out who you can talk to about postpartum depression can help you raise a yellow flag, get diagnosed, access treatment, and connect with resources. You might not realize there are many types of healthcare providers you can lean on for help.
Expand the sections below to see who you can turn to if you don’t feel like yourself.
Who can diagnose PPD
These healthcare providers can diagnose PPD:
OB/GYN
General practitioner
Nurse practitioner/physician’s assistant
Psychiatrist
Certified nurse midwife
Who can help you find care
While these people can’t diagnose PPD, they can support you and connect you with people who can:
Social worker
Childbirth educator
Lactation consultant
Doula
Pediatrician
This is not an exhaustive list.
If you’re not sure where to begin, start a conversation with your healthcare provider about symptoms, and if diagnosed with PPD, about how it can be managed. There is treatment available that may help after giving birth, if needed.
If you are pregnant or just had a baby, support is available if you are feeling overwhelmed. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is a free call or text service available 24/7, at 833-TLC-MAMA, in both English and Spanish to give new parents support.
ADVOCACY GROUPS
Prepare for you by learning about organizations that can also help you navigate PPD
These organizations can teach you more about postpartum depression and can help guide you if you start experiencing symptoms and are considering raising a yellow flag.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides guidelines for new parents that gives insights into strategies and treatments for managing mental health.
A Houston-based non-profit organization with a continued focus to improve maternal mental health outcomes for black and brown people through several social services.
The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health focuses on closing awareness gaps through sharing content, connecting communities, and highlighting the importance of maternal mental health.
The groups and associations listed here are not all of the organizations that support adults living with postpartum depression. This list of organizations is provided for your information only and is not an endorsement, referral, or recommendation from Supernus Pharmaceuticals or Biogen.