Maternal Mental Health

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Having a child can be a great joy but it is also a big adjustment. The transition to parenthood can impact your mood, functioning and relationships with others, including your partner. Because of the changes in your mood, it can even feel difficult to bond with your child. These changes in mood and functioning can feel surprising and confusing for many women and their partners. 

While some mood changes are a normal part of the hormonal, physical and emotional adjustments after pregnancy and childbirth, if it is lasting more than a couple of weeks, or these feelings come back anytime in the first year after delivery for more than two weeks, you should seek help and support right away. 

Below are a few great resources that can help you begin learning more about how to address the concerns you may have about pregnancy and postpartum mental health. 

Pregnancy and Postpartum Resources and Websites:

• www.postpartum.net Postpartum Support International
• www.postpartumstress.com– The Postpartum Stress Center
• www.postpartumprogress.com Blog, Articles and Resources for PPD

​Additionally, the book titled, "This Isn't What I was Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression" by Karen R. Kleinman, M.S.W. and Valerie D. Raskin M.D. is a great reference on prenatal and postpartum depression and anxiety disorders. 
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This Isn't What I Was Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression