In my doula work I have worked with a number of postpartum depressed moms. I
started getting to the point that I could hear it in their voices when they
called me even though they were saying they just needed practical or
lactation help. One woman was a psychotherapist and consultant who thought
she could talk herself out of it but was frightened to discover she couldn't
see her ppd well from the inside out. I worked with her for months, giving
her support with the baby, house, breastfeeding and reassuring her that she
was a wonderful mother and it would pass. I often felt helpless in the face
of this calamity in her life as I usually do with depressed moms. I can only
tell them what I know and help as much as possible. Her husband didn't know
for sure what to say or do and she found there was next to nothing in
literature about it. Gradually, and, in her case, without drugs, she
recovered. After this she began specializing in ppd and childbirth issues in
her practice and researched ppd thoroughly. She started a ppd support group
because no one understands like those who have been through it. Now she is
the expert in her field in this town, speaking to doctors, naturopath,
lactation consultant associations, etc. I refer my ppd clients to her for
therapy in addition to arranging practical help, overnight help so they can
get some sleep, lots of info and handouts, and encourage them to talk to
their friends about. They also very much need to get out into the sunlight
and walk, even if they can only tolerate 10 steps and back to bed. These moms
often need to get away for a while, especially if they have twins.
I tell each husband he doesn't have to know anything or solve anything, just
tell her that she is strong and that he loves her and will help her in any
way she needs. And then give him tips on how to be a gatekeeper for her.
Authorities don't seem to know the cause or very little else about ppd so
good woman to woman help is the best medicine so far. This therapist tells me
that drugs help with the hard symptoms but only time heals the depression.
Most of my clients seem to be over most of it within about 6 months with
occasional "blue" days. I am not talking about psychosis here.
I'm usually with a client about 4 hours at a stretch and if she has ppd she
usually breaks into tears a couple of times and needs several hugs and tons
of reassurance. She needs to know she can take almost any medicine and still
breastfeed and she will recover. Lactation consultants can help shield her
from unnecessary interventions from HCP's and sometimes relatives who
recommend switching to formula to give the mom a "break" at a time when
breastfeeding is the one thing she can do to feel she is being there for her
baby. Women with ppd need compassionate and knowledgeable doulas for sure.
Call the National Association of Postpartum Care Services @ 1-800-45-DOULA
for a pp doula in your state.
Vicky York, CPD, IBCLC

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