Maternal and Child Health

A variety of treatment options is available for women experiencing perinatal mood disorders (PMDs).

Women experiencing similar problems meet with professionals and trained volunteers who listen with understanding and compassion.  A woman may join a support group in addition to getting help from a healthcare professional.  Contact one of the Maternal and Child Health Consortia for support group contacts.

“Talk therapy”, provided by mental health care specialists, helps patients talk through their depression, mood swings and other feelings caused by perinatal mood disorders (PMDs).  Therapists teach coping skills to manage emotions, feelings and problems.

There are four types of psychotherapists:

• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists
• Advanced Practice Nurses
• Social Workers

Selecting a Psychotherapist

The right match is important.  A brief interview with the therapist by phone or face-to-face can help a women determine if she can develop an open and trusting relationship needed for support, growth and progress.

Questions to ask:

• What experience have you had with women who have had perinatal mood disorders?
• What type of license do you have?
• Ask about their credentials and/or certifications?
• Discuss fees, insurance and emergency care.

Effective medications, such as antidepressants, can be prescribed to treat perinatal mood disorders. Discuss benefits and risks of all these medications with obstetricians/gynecologists (OB/GYNs) or family physicians.