The FDA has recently approved the first drug to specifically treat postpartum depression. While this new medication may be a welcome relief to mothers in thick of postpartum depression, it’s always a good idea to be wary of a new drug. Of course, taking any kind of medication is a personal decision that should occur only under the guidance of a medical professional. In addition, it may be the best decision to only take drugs like this one as a last resort and in the most extreme cases. 

Also, this medication is extremely expensive and isn’t covered by insurance or Medicaid yet. So the cost would prohibit its availability to most of us. The drug must also be administered in a hospital, which may require a mother being separated from her baby for long amounts of time. Of course, this time apart is not ideal for new moms and new babes.

A patient and a doctor will have to weigh how acute a case of postpartum depression is. We’ve all heard the horror stories about severe postpartum depression or even postpartum psychosis. Is it possible for this new drug to save lives in those extreme circumstances?

If nothing else, it’s a wonderful thing that this new FDA approved drug will bring the issue of postpartum depression into the forefront. Hopefully, it will diminish some of the stigma of all mental health disorders. 

I believe I suffered alone and in silence 11 years ago from postpartum depression. Eleven years no one was talking about postpartum depression.Information and help was not as readily available as it is now. I don’t think I knew what was happening to me. But I felt more than sad. I felt despair. I felt like things would never get any better. And I was so angry all the time.

Don’t let this be your story. Speak up. And get help. Other moms on our team have written about their experience with mental health disorders. You can read about them below. 

The Hidden Disorder :: Postpartum Anxiety

Postpartum Depression: Struggling to Find Normal

Postpartum Support for the New Mom in Albuquerque

Prenatal Depression and How to Get Through It

If you think you may be experiencing postpartum depression, please contact a medical professional. Dar a Luz Birth Center has a postpartum support group that I’ve heard wonderful things about. Your OBGYN or women’s healthcare provider should have resources available for you as well. But whatever you do, don’t suffer alone.