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Postpartum Depression Resources

Utah PSI Support Coordinators

Resources for families

Postpartum Depression Resources

Moms Mental Health Matters!

Please contact your PSI Coordinator for free peer support and to find resources in your area!

PSI Coordinators are volunteers who offer caring and informed support and resources to moms and their families. They also provide information and resources for area providers who are caring for pregnant and postpartum families. Please don’t hesitate to contact us; we want to hear from you. Scroll down for Utah information!

Amy-Rose White
541-337-4960 TEXT only 
[email protected]

Mary Attridge
Salt Lake County
801-712-8663 TEXT OR CALL
[email protected]

Ashley Henderson
Salt Lake County and beyond
801-971-5187 TEXT OR CALL
[email protected]

Monica Ashton
Salt Lake County
385-419-0330 TEXT OR CALL
[email protected]

Ginger Law
Salt Lake County
801-707-1865 TEXT OR CALL
[email protected]

Jessica Allred
Weber & Davis Counties
801-856-8897 TEXT OR CALL
[email protected]

Theresa Elliot
Utah, Salt Lake, Wasatch, Juab & Toole Counties
801-692-3023 TEXT OR CALL
[email protected]

Annie Mead
Utah County
801-829-8176 TEXT OR CALL
[email protected]

Kaitlyn Wittwer
Utah County
801-615-3009 TEXT OR CALL
[email protected]

Meradith Fraser
801-413-3245 TEXT OR CALL
Northern Utah: Davis, Rich, Weber, Box Elder & Cache Counties
[email protected]

Yolanda Fredrickson
Northern Utah: Davis, Rich, Weber, Box Elder & Cache Counties
Yolanda offers support in both English and Spanish
801-899-9207 TEXT OR CALL
[email protected]

 

WARM/HOTLINES:

Postpartum Support International (PSI) (800) 944-4PPD (944-4773)  www.postpartum.net – PSI volunteers are trained moms who’ve dealt with anxiety or depression. Support, resources, and information are free and confidential. Messages are retuned within 24 hours.

Erikson Fussy Baby Network (888) 431-BABY (431-2229) – Provides both Spanish and English support and advice for parents regarding infant fussiness, crying, and sleep issues.

University Of Utah Neuropsychiatric Unit Crisis Line (801) 587-3000. Free confidential support, including a mobile crisis team able to come to a residence when needed.

National Suicide Hotline (800) SUICIDE (784-2433)

FREE SUPPORT GROUPS:

Please see the link below for current support groups in Utah as well as other Utah resources!

https://www.postpartum.net/locations/utah/

A note on finding a qualified therapist:

Seeking treatment with a therapist who specializes in pregnant and postpartum women is important. These specialists, often called perinatal psychotherapists, are educated about pregnancy and postpartum depression treatment options. Mood and anxiety disorders present differently during this time and require different treatment as well. The therapist should be a member of an organization that serves perinatal women, such as Postpartum Support International or our local chapter, the Utah Maternal Mental Health Collaborative. They should have received training from PSI or another reputable organization or provider such as 2020Mom or a well-recognized PSI Coordinator as many offer this training in their state. A qualified therapist can name five books for families and five books for clinicians with ease as well as name several online resources.

Ask the therapist what type of therapy he or she would use. Research has shown that cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal psychotherapies are the most effective methods to treat postpartum depression. This is not the time to delve deeply into childhood issues but rather the focus should be on skills, solutions, and crisis intervention. Treatment should include referrals to appropriate complementary resources, such as a support group or a psychiatrist, if appropriate. Ultimately, trust your intuition and keep looking elsewhere if the fit doesn’t seem right. Keep reaching out! You deserve to be well.

BLOGS: ONLINE SUPPORT

www.ppdsupportpage.com – Provides online support groups for women suffering from Pregnancy and Postpartum Mood & Anxiety difficulties.

CHILDCARE:

Family Support Center – 801-955-9110 www.familysupportcenter.org/

Free 24/7 care for children when parents are overwhelmed (Crisis Nursery). Three locations in Midvale, Sugarhouse, and West Valley

FOR FATHERS:

www.postpartummen.com -This website is for fathers who are experiencing symptoms of postpartum anxiety and depression which is often called Paternal Postnatal Depression.

www.postpartum.net – First Mondays of every month — PSI hosts a free call-in forum for dads facilitated by a perinatal mood disorders expert. Call for information, support, and connection with other dads. See http://www.postpartum.net/chat-with-an-expert/  for more information and call-in number.

ADOPTION:

The post-adoption blues: Overcoming the unforeseen challenges of adoption. Book by K. J. Foli & J. R. Thompson (2004).

www.adoptionissues.org/post-adoption-depression.html

www.babycenter.com/0_baby-shock-dealing-with-post-adoption-depression_1374199.bc Online group for parents of adopted children.

DOULA RESOURCES:

Utah Doula Association: http://utahdoulas.org

CAPPA: Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association www.cappa.net 

DONA: www.dona.org

Operation Special Delivery: Doulas for military families www.operationspecialdelivery.com

 

International Childbirth Education Association: www.icea.org

 

Childbirth International www.childbirthinternational.com

ICTC: International Center for Traditional Childbearing www.ictcmidwives.org

HealthConnect One: Learn about community-based doula programs www.healthconnectone.org

MEDICATION AND PREGNANCY/NURSING:

http://health.utah.gov/prl/ – MotherToBaby Utah (also known as the Pregnancy Risk Line), an affiliate of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), is dedicated to providing evidence-based information to mothers, health care professionals, and the general public about medications and other exposures during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. You can now text your questions to MotherToBaby at 855-999-3525or email your question(s) to [email protected].

http://www.ibreastfeeding.com/ – Website of Hale Publishing, company of Dr. Thomas Hale, leading expert on medications in breastfeeding. Provides discussion forums for healthcare providers and patients on concerns related to specific medications.

www.reprotox.org – REPROTOX® is an information system developed by the Reproductive Toxicology Center. It containssummaries on the effects of medications, chemicals, infections, and physical agents on pregnancy, reproduction,and development.

www.womensmentalhealth.org – Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Women’s Mental Health

BIRTH TRAUMA:

www.birthtraumaassociation.org.uk – The Birth Trauma Association, UK

www.ican-online.org – International Cesarean Awareness Network

www.solaceformothers.org – Solace for Mothers is for mothers who have experienced a challenging childbirth, and for providers who work with perinatal women. Phone support by peer counselors is available.

www.tabs.org.nz – Trauma and Birth Stress (TABS) is a charitable trust supporting mothers with Postpartum PTSD or who have experienced a traumatic birth.

ABORTION:

https://exhaleprovoice.org– Provides after-abortion support, resources, and events.

http://www.afterabortion.com -This site is for women who have had an abortion, and want a place to talk about their abortion, and find peer support in a neutral, non-judgemental place

MISCARRIAGE/LOSS:

http://www.missfoundation.org -Mothers and Others in Sympathy and Support is volunteer-based organization that provides crisis support and long-term aid to families after the death of a child from any cause. They have a wonderful online forum where bereaved parents can connect.

http://www.compassionatefriends.org/home.aspx -Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization that assists families in the positive resolution of grief following the death of a child of any age. Salt Lake has a local support group.

http://babylossdirectory.blogspot.com -Babyloss blog directory is an amazing list of personal blogs by bereaved parents, categorized by type of loss.

https://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org -Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep is a network of almost 7,000 volunteer photographers in 25 countries. At a family’s request, a NILMDTS-affiliated photographer comes to the hospital or hospice location and conducts a no-cost, sensitive, and private portrait session, offering bereaved families precious images of themselves with their child.

Appointments

Thank you for reaching out. I will respond to you within 24 hours to schedule an appointment.  Thank you.

801-948-8811

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Fees & Policies

Fees

50-Minute Session – Individuals: $155

50-Minute Session – Couples: $185

I am no longer paneled with insurance companies but can offer you a superbill to submit for out of network reimbursement. HSA cards welcomed!

Policies

CANCELLATION POLICY.   Please give 24 hours (1 working day) notice of cancellation. For Monday appointments, cancellations must occur on the prior Friday. For less than 24 hours notice, the full cost of the visit will be charged to you credit card on file.

URGENT NEEDS.  If you feel you are in crisis, you can leave a message on my voicemail and expect a return call, in most cases, within 24-48 business hours.  If your emergency is so acute that waiting for a response is not appropriate, please call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.  HMHI Crisis Services can also be reached 24/7 at (801) 583-2500.

EMAIL & PRIVACY.  Client information will not be shared, sold or otherwise disclosed to any other party except as requested by the client in writing. The law protects the relationship between a client and therapist with the exception of the following situations:

  • Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
  • If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
  • If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in insuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.
  • Therapists are required by law to report incidences of sexual misconduct on the part of other therapists.
  • Additionally, I may consult with my clinical supervisor and/or consultation group without disclosing any identifiable information.
  • I abide by HIPAA practice standards.

There are limits to protecting your confidentiality over the internet.  Please consider the information you submit over the internet prior to sending.  Please do not use email or “contact us” form to send messages of a personal or confidential nature. Even though I do my best to keep my email confidential, email is copied, archived, and retransmitted continuously as part of normal processing. Because of this, please use email only to request information about my services, or other non-confidential matters.

There are several ways you can communicate with me without having to send information over the Internet: in person, by phone, fax or mail.

Email and texting is intended in my practice for administrative purposes i.e. changing appointment times, contacting me to request an appointment, or confirm appointment times. Please recognize that email or texting is not completely secure or confidential. If you choose to communicate via email, be aware that emails are retained in the logs of internet service providers. While it is unlikely that someone will be looking at these logs, they are in theory available to be read by the system administrator(s) of the internet service provider. Please be aware that any emails received or sent can become part of the legal record.

Perinatal Depression/Anxiety

Treatment Options

Thyroid Tests 

About 10% of women will have thyroiditis during the postpartum period. Thyroid disorders can cause anxiety and depression. In order to rule out thyroiditis, a thyroid test (free T4, TSH, anti-TPO, anti-thyroglobulin) is recommended after six months postpartum if the woman is experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety.

Lowering Inflammation: Key approaches 

Recent research has linked PPD/anxiety and other perinatal illnesses with increased levels of inflammation in the body. Inflammation levels generally rise at the end of pregnancy and chronic stress before, during, or after pregnancy can significantly increase inflammation leading to symptoms of depression and anxiety. The below treatments, including psychotropic medication, help to lower inflammation levels. 

Nutrition 

Deficiencies in major vitamins and minerals can cause symptoms of depression and anxiety. Continuing to take a high-quality food-based prenatal vitamin can help rule out this potential underlying cause. Ask your healthcare provider to test your vitamin D levels as low levels of this hormone can greatly influence mood. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to prevent and treat mild to moderate depression and anxiety in perinatal women at a dosage of 1000-3000mg combined DHA and EPA, and are considered safe for nursing. Some practitioners may recommend up to 9000mg depending on severity. They can be used along with psychotropic medications safely. 

Support Groups 

Social support in various forms has been shown to both prevent and mitigate the symptoms of PPD/anxiety. PPD support groups usually offer education and resources on her symptoms or mood disorders and often friendships formed in these support groups last for a long time. Usually babies are welcome in these groups. For a list of nationwide support groups contact Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net or 805-967-7636. 

Psychotherapy 

It is very important that a mother with symptoms of perinatal mood or anxiety disorders seek treatment from a therapist who specializes in treating pregnant and postpartum women or who is willing to get educated about these issues. A therapist who is well connected to the perinatal professional community should be a member of one of the major organizations that serve perinatal women, such as Postpartum Support International (www.postpartum.net or 805-967-7636). Postpartum depression is different from other types of depression. In fact, the term “Postpartum Depression” is used very loosely to also include postpartum anxiety, panic disorder (panic attacks), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and postpartum OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). The postpartum mother should ask the therapist what type of therapy the person would use. Research has shown that cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal psychotherapies are the most effective modalities to treat postpartum depression. 

Recent research also supports the use of acupuncture, bright light therapy, and yoga as effective treatments of mild to moderate depression in pregnant and postpartum women. St. John’s Wort, has been shown to be effective in treating mild to moderate symptoms in postpartum women but warrants further research on safety during pregnancy. Other approaches include amino acid therapy. Both 5-HTP and SAM-E are evidenced based treatments for depression and anxiety and do not require a prescription. Like many anti-depressants, they have not been well studied in nursing women. Ask your healthcare provider for more information. Postpartum doula care, exercise, massage, homeopathic remedies, chiropractic, hypnotherapy, and nutritional support are all being studied for effectiveness in prevention and treatment and are often helpful options for women to consider as they tailor a treatment plan unique to them. Women should always check with their healthcare provider for safety, as some herbs and illegal drugs can cause serious damage to both mother and infant. Often alternative therapies can complement counseling and/or medication when provided by a licensed healthcare professional.   

Postpartum Depression / Anxiety

Signs and Symptoms

This pages shares common emotional health reactions during pregnancy, the first year postpartum, and for those with a pregnancy loss, who have adopted, and women dealing with fertility challenges. The following can also be signs of Post-abortion Stress Syndrome or “PASS” as well.

Your emotional health during this time is extremely important. Below is a list of distressing emotional reactions that 1 in 5 women will experience during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth/adoption, infertility, miscarriage or loss. If any of these apply to you, please know that with proper support and early detection, most women can begin to feel better rapidly and more fully enjoy their lives, relationships, and the experience of parenting.

  • Baby Blues– Signs include weepiness, irritability, feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Resolves or dramatically improves the first three weeks after childbirth. Up to 80% of women will experience the baby blues.
  • Depression/ Anxiety – Symptoms include feeling anxious, agitated, sleeping too much or difficulty “sleeping when the baby sleeps”, excessive worrying, tearfulness, irritability, anger, guilt & shame, feeling disconnected from your family and/or baby, appetite changes, difficulty concentrating, and possible thoughts of harming the baby or yourself. (10-25%)
  • Panic – Signs include feeling worried, anxious or very nervous most of the time. Recurring panic attacks, which include heart palpitations, shortness of breath and/or chest pain, nausea/vomiting or fear of dying. (15%)
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder – Can occur during pregnancy or following a childbirth which is perceived as traumatic. Usually involves distressing memories, irritability, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, hyper-vigilance, and efforts to avoid reminders of the trauma. Symptoms may be related to a prior traumatic experience or the birth itself. (3-5%)
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – Symptoms include intrusive and disturbing thoughts and/or images of harm coming to the baby, as well as a sense of horror about having these thoughts. Usually includes a preoccupation with keeping the baby safe through repetitive actions to reduce the fear and obsessions. Women disturbed by these thoughts are very unlikely to ever act on them. (3-5%)
  • Postpartum Psychosis – Usually occurs within the first few days or weeks after birth. Includes having strange beliefs, hallucinations, irritability and agitation, inability to sleep, rapid mood changes, and poor decision-making. Women with psychosis are not disturbed by the nature of their thoughts or find them unusual. Women with psychosis are at significant risk for harming themselves and/or their infants, and need immediate crisis intervention. Occurs in 1-3 per 1000 births (.1-.3%)
  • For women with bi-polar disorder. Women with bi-polar disorder are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing psychosis, particularly if they are not taking medication and are extremely sleep-deprived. It is important to develop a wellness plan with a practitioner familiar with postpartum illnesses. Having adequate support is a must.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please call to make an appointment, contact your healthcare provider and/or call Postpartum Support International at (800) 944-4PPD (944-4773)  www.postpartum.net. PSI is the largest perinatal support agency in U.S. PSI’s toll-free WarmLine (English & Spanish) serves over 1,000 callers a month and is staffed by a volunteer team of PSI trained responders who rapidly refer callers to appropriate local resources, including emergency services.