Postpartum Counseling Across Virginia
Our board‑certified women’s mental health specialists deliver evidence‑based medication and therapy for postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. We provide 100% virtual visits anywhere in Virginia. Secure your first appointment within 7 days.
Understanding Postpartum Mental Health
What Is Postpartum Depression (PPD)?
Postpartum depression is a type of mood disorder that affects women after childbirth. It is more than just feeling sad or overwhelmed; it’s a medical condition caused by hormonal shifts, brain chemistry changes, physical exhaustion, and emotional stress.
Symptoms can appear days or months after delivery and often interfere with daily functioning and the ability to bond with your baby. PPD is common, treatable, and not your fault.
Key takeaway: Feeling overwhelmed, tearful, or on edge after having a baby is common, but when symptoms persist or intensify, you deserve professional support.
What is the Difference Between PPD and Baby Blues?
Right after giving birth, it’s common for new moms to feel the “baby blues.” It affects up to 80% of mothers. This brief mood dip usually peaks around three to five days after delivery and can bring mild tearfulness, irritability, and quick-changing emotions. The key point is that these feelings fade on their own within about two weeks and typically don’t require medical treatment.
Postpartum depression (PPD) is different. It can appear anytime in the first weeks or even months after birth and lingers for more than two weeks. The mood swings are heavier and may be joined by anxiety, feeling numb (or lacking normal emotions and engagement), or a sense of disconnection from your baby or loved ones. Because PPD is more intense and long-lasting, it generally needs professional help such as therapy and, in some cases, medication.
If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with temporary baby blues or true postpartum depression, it’s always safest to reach out for support—our team is here to help you figure it out and get the care you need.
Postpartum Mental Illness Goes Beyond Depression
Other mood and anxiety disorders can also emerge postpartum:
- Postpartum Anxiety: constant worry, restlessness, fear of harm coming to the baby
- Postpartum OCD: repetitive, intrusive thoughts (often frightening) with compulsive behaviors
- Postpartum PTSD: flashbacks or nightmares from a traumatic birth experience
- Bipolar Disorder: periods of elevated energy, sleeplessness, and impulsivity alternating with depression
- Postpartum Psychosis (rare): hallucinations, confusion, paranoia—this is a medical emergency
Together, these affect 1 in 5 new mothers, making them the most common complication of childbirth. These conditions can overlap. Even if you don’t feel “depressed,” you may still benefit from care.
What Causes Postpartum Depression to Happen?
Postpartum depression is complex and caused by multiple factors. Possible contributors include:
- Hormonal fluctuations after birth
- Sleep deprivation
- Stress of caregiving and identity shifts
- Personal or family history of mood disorders
- Birth trauma or NICU stays
- Lack of support at home
PPD is not a personal failure or weakness—it’s a real medical condition that responds well to treatment.
Am I at Risk?
Risk doesn’t equal fate, but awareness helps you act early.
- Personal or family history of depression, bipolar, or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
- Traumatic delivery, NICU admission, or previous loss
- Thyroid imbalance, severe sleep deprivation
- Limited partner/family support, financial stress
- Multiples (twins), high‑need babies, or colicky infants
If you recognize two or more factors, schedule a preventive check‑in.
Symptoms Checklist
☐ Sad, empty, or numb most of the day
☐ Intense anxiety, constant worry that something bad will happen
☐ Scary or intrusive thoughts about harm (to baby or self)
☐ Trouble sleeping—even when the baby sleeps
☐ Loss of appetite or overeating
☐ Irritability or anger that feels “not like me”
☐ Difficulty bonding with baby or partner
☐ Thoughts that your family would be better off without you
If you checked 3 boxes for 2 weeks, professional care is recommended.
In an emergency, call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Why Early Treatment Matters
- For You: Faster recovery, stronger confidence, restored sleep, and more energy.
- For Baby: Improved bonding, healthier weight gain, and better emotional‑brain development.
- For Family: Reduced partner depression risk and smoother home routines.
Untreated PPD can linger 6‑18 months, but with the right care, most parents feel significantly better within a few weeks to a few months or longer..
How We Treat Postpartum Depression
Every treatment plan at Brookside is personalized. We take into account everything unique to you, including things like your symptoms, history, lifestyle, and feeding preferences.
1. Therapy
Evidence-based talk therapy helps you process emotions, shift thinking patterns, and build coping skills.
2. Medication
Many psychiatric medications are safe during breastfeeding and postpartum. We walk you through all risks and benefits with transparency and compassion.
3. Integrative Support
We encourage rest, nutrition, movement, and social connection as part of holistic recovery.
Why Trust Brookside Psychiatric Specialists?
What We Offer |
Why It Matters |
| Woman‑owned, all‑female clinical team | We bring lived experience, plus advanced training in reproductive psychiatry. |
| Telepsychiatry across Virginia | No travel, discreet care during naps or pumping breaks. However, with changing telehealth laws or in some clinical circumstances, patients may be required to come for periodic in-person visits. |
| Perinatal‑specific expertise | We treat pregnancy & postpartum mood & anxiety disorders every day, not as a side service. |
| Personalized, evidence‑based treatment | Medication choices compatible with breastfeeding + gold‑standard therapies (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy). |
| Integrated, collaborative care | When needed, we coordinate with your OB‑GYN, midwife, and pediatrician, so everyone is on the same page. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Postpartum Mental Health
Is postpartum depression my fault?
No. PPD is a medical condition triggered by hormone shifts, sleep loss, and genetic vulnerability, not a character flaw.
Are medications safe while breastfeeding?
Yes, many first‑line treatments have very low infant exposure through breastmilk. We stay up to date on all of the latest literature related to psychiatric medications in lactation (breastfeeding).
Can I see you if I already have a therapist?
Absolutely. We provide medical management that integrates psychotherapy to support that treatment, but it does not replace your regular therapist. We encourage you to keep or get a therapist alongside our care.
How quickly can I start?
New‑patient appointments are usually available within 1-2 weeks. Use our online scheduler or call 757-453-1256 to secure a spot within 7 days.
Do you treat partners or adoptive parents?
Yes, 10 % of fathers and many adoptive or surrogacy parents experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. We welcome all patients.
What if I’m not sure what I’m feeling?
That’s OK. We can help you figure it out. You don’t need a diagnosis to ask for help.
How long does postpartum depression last?
With support, symptoms often improve in weeks. Without treatment, PPD can persist for months or longer.
What if I’m having scary thoughts?
We’re familiar with all kinds of scary perinatal thoughts. Intrusive thoughts are common and don’t mean you’ll act on them. Other types of scary thoughts can be more serious, and treatment is critical.
We’re Here for You – Book an Appointment
You don’t need to wait until things get worse. If you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unlike yourself, help is available now.
Brookside Psychiatric Specialists provides in-person and virtual care for women across Virginia who are navigating mental health challenges during postpartum and beyond.
Let’s take the first step—together.
- Book Your Virtual Appointment – pick a time that fits nap schedules.
- Complete Secure E‑Forms – saves 15 minutes before your visit.
- Meet Your Specialist – create a personalized, judgment‑free plan.
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase—just take the first step.”