Baby Blues & Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders
Pediatric Care Options Near You
Congratulations on your new baby! When you choose to deliver at an SSM Health Family Birthplace, you’re connected to a network of pediatricians and pediatric specialists who can deliver all the care you and your family need.
Our SSM Health Cardinal Glennon and affiliated pediatricians are focused on building a relationship with you and your baby, providing initial assessments for your infant, monitoring growth and development, addressing concerns, and coordinating specialized care with our expert pediatric specialists. We are here for all your families’ health needs, big and small! Find care for your baby.
Support for Moms with Baby Blues & More
Every mom needs exceptional care and support. This is especially true when you’re experiencing any form of that strange mix of sadness, anxiety or depression during your pregnancy, or in the weeks and months after you give birth.
Unfortunately, many people, even some doctors and close family members, may not understand what you’re going through. This can lead to additional feelings of isolation and overwhelm.
For this simple reason, the MOMS Line 314-768-MOMS at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital - St. Louis is available to you, and all St. Louis area expectant and postpartum moms. This peer-supported telephone line caters specifically to moms who are experiencing those complex feelings of depression and/or anxiety.
By providing you the caring and experienced voice on the other end of the phone, our goal is to help you heal. When you place a call, the MOMS Line will provide a listening ear and offer connection to an experienced volunteer and/or connect you with resources, including:
- Peer coaches
- Counselors
- Referral to a behavioral health specialist near you
- Doctors
Support for Moms, From Moms
Often times, the first step toward feeling better is to talk about your experience with someone who understands your struggle. With the MOMS Line, no topic is off limits or taboo. Our ears are open to hear about your concerns, from mood swings, anger and sadness, to your new normal. And rest assured, your conversations are always confidential.
Moms like you created this service so you don’t have to face these feelings alone. We believe you deserve a safe place to talk with people who really get it and will support your path to healing.
When the feelings of pregnancy and postpartum get you down, let the MOMS Line help you with support and connection on your journey to wellness.
To get started with the MOMS Line, call 314-768-6667.
If you’re interested in being a support to other moms, SSM Health invites you to participate in our training for Postpartum Peer Coaches (PPCs).
The Postpartum Peer Coach undergoes a one-time training as well as quarterly training to provide you the tools and resources necessary to talk with other moms.
After training, you will have the opportunity to serve as a volunteer on the MOMS Line.
For more information about The MOMS Line, call 314-768-6667. If you’re interested in volunteering, visit our signup page.
Whether you’re experiencing baby blues, or looking to help moms feel better, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
When It's More Than the Baby Blues
Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMAD)
PMAD is much stronger than baby blues. Rather than general anxiety, you may also experience depression, post-traumatic stress, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or bipolar disorder. Signs to look out for include:
- Feeling guilty or worthless
- Excessive irritability, anger or agitation
- Fear of being left alone with the baby
- Anxiety and panic attacks
Doctors are not certain exactly what causes PMAD but it’s often linked to hormonal changes after delivery, as well as feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or an overall sense of losing your identity.
If you or a loved one is experiencing PMAD, it’s important to get help from a professional counselor or behavioral health specialist. In most cases, doctors will recommend a combination of the following treatments:
- Antidepressants
- Individual and group counseling
- Peer support
To better understand the level of care you’ll need, talk with your doctor about your symptoms, or reach out to the MOMS Line at SSM Health. MOMS Line is a phone line staffed by experienced moms who will listen to your concerns and connect you with the resources you need.
The most severe type of PMAD is postpartum psychosis. It’s considered a psychiatric emergency since it puts women at an increased risk of suicide and harming their infant.
Get help immediately if you’re having any violent thoughts toward yourself or your child. Other signs of postpartum psychosis to look out for, include:
- Insomnia
- Rapid mood swings
- Poor judgment
- Delusions of infant death
- Auditory hallucinations
- Extreme agitation
- Hyperactivity
Moms with postpartum psychosis must receive immediate treatment with antipsychotic drugs and mood stabilizers. If the condition doesn’t improve with medication, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is often recommended.
If the baby blues are getting you down, call your health care provider today. The MOMS Line is also available at 314-768-MOMS (6667) when you just need to hear another voice. Make the call today and begin your journey to better and brighter days.
Support for Moms with Baby Blues
Every mom needs exceptional care and support. This is especially true if you’re experiencing baby blues - that strange mix of sadness, anxiety or depression during your pregnancy, or in the weeks and months after you give birth.
Despite this, many people, even some doctors and close family members, may not understand what you’re going through. This can lead to additional feelings of frustration and stress. Reach out to a support group, or talk to your physician - you are not alone.
Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMAD)
PMAD is much stronger than baby blues. Rather than general anxiety, you may also experience depression, post-traumatic stress, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or bipolar disorder. Signs to look out for include:
- Feeling guilty or worthless
- Excessive irritability, anger or agitation
- Fear of being left alone with the baby
- Anxiety and panic attacks
Doctors are not certain exactly what causes PMAD but it’s often linked to hormonal changes after delivery, as well as feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or an overall sense of losing your identity.
If you or a loved one is experiencing PMAD, it’s important to get help from a professional counselor or behavioral health specialist. In most cases, doctors will recommend a combination of the following treatments:
- Antidepressants
- Individual and group counseling
- Peer support
To better understand the level of care you’ll need, talk with your doctor about your symptoms, or reach out to a support group.
The most severe type of PMAD is postpartum psychosis. It’s considered a psychiatric emergency since it puts women at an increased risk of suicide and harming their infant.
Get help immediately if you’re having any violent thoughts toward yourself or your child. Other signs of postpartum psychosis to look out for, include:
- Insomnia
- Rapid mood swings
- Poor judgment
- Delusions of infant death
- Auditory hallucinations
- Extreme agitation
- Hyperactivity
Moms with postpartum psychosis must receive immediate treatment with antipsychotic drugs and mood stabilizers. If the condition doesn’t improve with medication, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is often recommended.
If the baby blues are getting you down, call your health care provider today and begin your journey to better and brighter days.