09/09/2026
Okay I’ve been quiet for way too long so apologies for coming in HOT.
Let’s get into this…
1. Specialized, certified perinatal mood and anxiety disorder mental health care is essential.
You need someone who understands the perinatal period, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders inside and out, and what can happen to you during this time period. Before birth, after birth, breastfeeding, weaning. There is crucial signs to look out for and if you aren’t certified in this as a provider you are putting your client at risk. Specialized care can be life-saving.
2. For medication care, seek out a reproductive psychiatrist.
A reproductive psychiatrist has extra education and experience to understand the complex intersection of how hormones disrupt pharmacology. They are clued in to warning signs and specific hormonal symptoms that can be life-saving. For anyone in the state of Michigan I recommend the University of Michigan’s Reproductive Psychiatry clinic. They will see you virtually. They are fantastic at what they do.
3. Your partner needs to step the f**k up. Your family needs to step the f**k up. The world needs to step the f**k up.
Everyone needs to start learning and understanding more about what happens to women in the perinatal period. We all need to recognize the warning signs. We need to understand that postpartum mental health is not simply a woman’s responsibility to manage on her own. She’s going through so much. We need to build systems of support around mothers and take their mental health seriously. Yes we need a system, particularly in the U.S. (undoubtedly) but let’s start this at home too. Lives are dependant on supportive partners, families, and friends. Not just the female members of these groups either!!!!!
BONUS TAKEAWAY: POSTPARTUM IS FOREVER.
I said what I said. We need to stop thinking of postpartum as a six-week period that ends when you’re cleared at your postpartum appointment. Those appointments are a JOKE. The transition into motherhood is profound, life changing and PERMANENT.
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