Postpartum Services

The transition to motherhood can trigger a mixture of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to stress and anxiety.

At Crown OB/Gyn, we understand that the joys of pregnancy may not prepare you for the challenges of early motherhood. Our bodies go through immense changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Many women don’t bounce back the way they’d like, and it can be frustrating not to feel like yourself. Many new moms experience postpartum blues after childbirth, which may include fatigue, sleep disturbances, stress, and even anxiety and mood swings. 

These emotions typically begin within the first two to three days after delivery and usually subside after about two weeks as mother and baby adjust to each other. There are times you may not even know you’re having these feelings or emotions. You might think you feel the way all new moms do. Being tired is normal with a newborn but being sad or hopeless is not. Feeling “blue” does not mean you did anything wrong.

  • Hormone changes that happen after birth may cause “baby blues.” After delivery, the amount of the hormones estrogen and progesterone suddenly decreases, causing mood swings. For some people, the hormones made by the thyroid gland may drop sharply, which can make them feel tired and depressed. Not getting enough sleep and not eating well can add to these feelings.

    As many as 1 in 10 women experience a more severe form of emotional distress known as postpartum depression. Typical symptoms include marked changes in sleep, appetite, and energy levels, and feelings of sadness, hopelessness, isolation, and anxiety.

  • It’s important for women to recognize the signs of PPD. Symptoms include:

    • Exhaustion

    • Sadness

    • Feelings of being overwhelmed and inadequate

    • Lack of self-esteem

    • Trouble concentrating and sleeping

    • Anxiety

    • Crying more than usual

    • Feelings of numbness and disconnection from the baby

    Women may also suffer panic attacks or heart palpitations, fears about their baby, or their ability to be a good mother.

    It’s important to talk to others if you experience changes in your emotions after delivery. Don’t worry—you are not alone.

    Our Crown OB/Gyn medical professionals can help guide you safely through the first couple of months with your baby, following American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines for moms during the postpartum period.

    • Discuss the challenges of motherhood and determine strategies to ease them including infant care and feeding, sleep and fatigue.

    • Screen and care for postpartum mood changes, stress, and depression.

    • Provide counsel and support for sexuality, contraception, and birth spacing disccussions.

    • Set and work toward fitness/nutrition goals for the physical recovery from pregnancy and birth and general health maintenance.

    • Get you connected with lactation consultants, in-home support care, or women’s health physical therapists depending on your needs.

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