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Welcoming a new baby into your family is one of the most joyous experiences life has to offer, but it can also be one of the most stressful. Many new moms struggle with the baby blues after giving birth, and one in seven moms will suffer from postpartum depression.
If you or someone you know is experiencing postpartum depression, don’t wait until it’s an emergency! Talk to a physician or OB/GYN or reach out to one of these services that can help moms and families cope.
Resources
- Emergency Respite Nursery at the Family Support and Treatment Center (Utah Valley residents): They will watch your baby while you get some rest and also provide in person support groups. Call 801-229-1181.
- United Way, Help Me Grow: Call 211 and volunteers will link you to community mental health services.
- Postpartum Support International: This group provides education and resources to mothers with mental health symptoms. Find them online or call 1-800-944-4773.
- National Peer Mom Volunteers: This group provides peer counseling and can be reached at 1-800-PPD-MOMS.
Need More Information?
- Review our screening tool.
- Download our Maternal Mental Health Prep sheet.
- Learn about the Emily Effect Foundation.
- Brittany Jepsen, founder of DIY craft blog, The House That Lars Built, speaks with Intermountain's Nurse Cindy about maternal mental health. Watch Part 1 and Part 2 of Cindy walking Brittany through the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.
- Intermountain’s Nurse Dani walks you through the proper steps to take care of yourself after birth. Topics include: activities after delivery, eating well, postpartum depression, signs of emergencies, and more.
- Listen in on a conversion about postpartum depression with Intermountain’s Jesse Ellis, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Nurse Dani.
Take Care of Yourself—Think SNOWBALL
Nurse Dani also helps you remember how to take care of yourself after birth by implementing SNOWBALL.
S is for SLEEP. Make sure you’re getting enough rest. When you’re tired you aren’t thinking clearly and your mood may suffer.
N is for Nutrition. Eating food that’s good for you will help you recover and is especially important if you’re breastfeeding.
O is for Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Fish oils have been proven to reduce anxiety and depression in new moms.
W is for Walking. Exercise will improve your mood and help your body recover from giving birth.
B is for Baby Breaks. Take some time away from your baby. It can help you feel more like yourself again!
A is for Adult Time. Spending time with other adults—your partner or your friends will help you maintain important relationships.
L is for Liquids. Try to drink at least two quarts of water daily.
L is for Laughter. Remember to laugh and give yourself a break. Life with a new baby requires a sense of humor.