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Home
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Welcome to Postpartum Health Alliance |
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You are not alone!  You are not alone!
PHA is in its 10th year serving San Diego County. We have no staff and no government funding. We rely on donations from people like you. Please help us help others. Donate today.  Postpartum Depression: The myths and the facts 
Myth: That postpartum mood disorders are rare. They are actually common. Women just don't talk about it, because it's socially unacceptable to admit how they are struggling with motherhood. Nearly 1 out of 5 women suffer from a mood disorder after giving birth. Myth: That women who suffer through it alone are superior than those who seek treatment. In fact, the women who suffer through it without seeking treatment are making their babies suffer through it as well. Depression causes some moms to be insensitive and emotionally unavailable to their babies, and the negative interaction affects the baby's social, emotional and cognitive development. Myth: That you can't take anti-depressants if you are nursing a baby. You can. There are drugs that have been well researched and are believed to have little if any effect on your baby. FACT: An untreated postpartum mood disorder can result in marital tension, domestic violence, child neglect, and child abuse. FACT: A treated postpartum mood disorder will result in healthier and happier parents and healthier and happier children.
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Get Help Now
 If you are thinking about hurting yourself or your baby, please get help right away.
- Call a suicide hotline (free)
- Go to a hospital emergency room
- Call your obstetrician or primary care provider
- If you have a mental health provider, call their emergency number
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Testimonials
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By Holly Herring My name is Holly and came from a very broken home. At the time I found out I was pregnant with my only child, I was 24 years old and single. I lived in a cute beach cottage in San Diego, worked hard every day at a job where I felt very important and was a very good worker. My job was my life. I scheduled everything around my job. I had been dating a guy for about 4 months when my period was late. My period was NEVER late! My body ran like clockwork in every respect. I took a home pregnancy test and then two MORE home pregnancy tests before I decided that all these “positives” must mean something. The next morning at work I found an OB/GYN in the phone book and made an appointment. When the receptionist asked what the appointment was for I was all of a sudden ashamed, “I might be pregnant” I responded.
I kept things to myself until my appointment with the OB. The nurse asked me why I thought I might be pregnant and I explained about the three pregnancy tests. She looked at me and said ”Honey, you’re pregnant then”. I was ashamed once again. However, being pro-life, I decided to keep my baby. Surely if I could do all that I had accomplished thus far I could surely handle a baby! However, I was still unsure how to handle being pregnant and a professional at the same time. Read More |
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