Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

You just had a baby and something feels wrong. You're not bonding the way you expected, or you're anxious in a way that won't turn off, or you're crying without knowing why. Maybe you're having thoughts that scare you. This is not who you are, and it's not something you have to push through.

 

Postpartum depression and anxiety are the most common complications of childbirth. They can start immediately after delivery or develop gradually over the first year. They can follow any pregnancy, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or loss. And they're treatable.

 

At Waypoint, this is our specialty. Our licensed therapists and psychiatric nurse practitioners work together so you don't have to coordinate your own care. Your first appointment is a full evaluation. From there, we build a treatment plan that may include therapy, psychiatric medication, or both, depending on what you need.

 

Our goal is to help you feel like yourself again, and to get there as quickly as possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

What's the difference between the baby blues and postpartum depression? Baby blues are common in the first one to two weeks after delivery and typically resolve on their own. Postpartum depression is more intense, lasts longer, and doesn't improve without treatment. If you're past the two-week mark and still struggling, that's worth evaluating.

 

Do I need a referral? No. You can request an appointment directly through our website or by calling 919-275-1405.

 

Is this available virtually? Yes. We offer telehealth across all of North Carolina, as well as in-person appointments at our Durham and Raleigh offices.

 

What symptoms does postpartum depression actually look like? The most common include persistent sadness, anxiety that won't turn off, irritability or rage, difficulty bonding with your baby, intrusive or scary thoughts, trouble sleeping even when your baby sleeps, and feeling like you're not cut out for this. Not everyone experiences all of these, and symptoms vary widely.

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Can I get medication if I'm breastfeeding? Yes. There are medications with strong safety records for breastfeeding mothers. Our nurse practitioners have specialized training in perinatal pharmacology and will walk through the options with you directly.

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I'm having scary thoughts about my baby. Does that mean I'm dangerous? No. Intrusive thoughts are a recognized symptom of postpartum OCD and postpartum anxiety. They are not a sign that you want to hurt your baby. Tell your provider. We're trained in this, and we won't overreact.

 

My OB said I'm fine, but I don't feel fine. Should I still come in? Yes. Standard postpartum screenings are brief and miss many cases. If you don't feel like yourself, that's a valid reason to come in regardless of what a screening score says.

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Can postpartum depression start months after delivery? Yes. Symptoms can develop gradually and may not appear until weeks or months after birth. There's no cutoff. If something feels off, it's worth looking into.

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Do you treat partners too? Yes. Paternal postpartum depression is real and underdiagnosed. We offer individual therapy for partners and couples sessions when postpartum stress is affecting the relationship.

 

How often will I need to come in? It depends on your symptoms and treatment plan. Most clients start weekly and adjust from there. We follow your progress, not a fixed schedule.