When being a mother is not what you expected.

Welcoming a new baby is a time of enormous change, and most new mothers go through days of teariness and worry.

However, if these “baby blues” last more than two weeks and interfere with your ability to take care of yourself and/or your baby, you may have Postpartum Depression or Postpartum Anxiety. Postpartum Depression/Anxiety can occur anytime in the first year of parenthood, and not only to first time mothers. Adoptive mothers and even fathers/partners can be affected.

What are Symptoms of Postpartum Depression?

You may experience:

What are Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety?

You may experience:

What if I’m having scary thoughts?

Disturbing thoughts are a common occurrence for women in the postpartum period. These thoughts can be very troubling. It is important for you to share the thoughts in a safe environment: with a professional, a support group, or a trusted friend.

If you are feeling desperate and/or have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, seek immediate help through your physician or nearest emergency room.

How do I get help?

You do not need to suffer alone. Most important is to talk to someone and share how you are feeling. There are different forms of help: medication, psychotherapy, group support. CERS is here to help, providing therapeutic support and a weekly PPD support group.

You can contact us, or ask someone close to you to contact us, at cersintake@jfcsboston.org or 781-693-1200.

Additional resources are also available at Postpartum Support International - Massachusetts.

For more information, call 781-647-JFCS (5327) or email your questions via our contact us page.