Postpartum Depression Services

Depression and Pregnancy: Virtua Maternity

You're not alone in how you feel. We're here to help and support you.

The birth of a child is a major life-changing event for any family. Throughout your pregnancy and after your baby's birth, you may feel overwhelming joy and excitement. But, some parents can also feel anxious, worried, helpless, or unable to concentrate.

These symptoms are common and can be a sign of a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, like postpartum depression. "Perinatal" means that these symptoms can happen during your pregnancy or in the year after birth. The feelings can range from "baby blues" to more intense emotions and feelings that interfere with your ability to function in your daily life or interact with others.

Postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms can include:

Anxiety, intrusive or repetitive thoughts, or excessive worry
Confusion, memory loss, or poor concentration
Depression or sadness
Exaggerated highs or lows
Fatigue or exhaustion
Feelings of inadequacy
Fear of harming yourself or your baby
Guilt
Hopelessness
Lack of interest in sexual activity
Nervousness
Over-concern or lack of concern for the baby
Panic attacks
Sleeping or eating problems
Uncontrollable crying

What's important to know is that you're not alone in feeling this way. Our caring and compassionate team is here to support you through this time and help you feel better again.

Get postpartum depression support today

Virtua offers several services to help with postpartum depression and anxiety. This includes:

Depression screening in the hospital after delivery
Weekly postpartum depression support group, open to people during and after pregnancy
Education and referral for treatment options that may include medication and/or counseling
Coordinating care with your obstetrician or midwife
Additional support through follow-up telephone calls

Virtua also offers telephone support for information and referrals at 866-380-2229, 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

If you're having any thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Additional resources

Postpartum Support International
NJ Speak Up Postpartum Depression Program
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746) in English and Spanish

Postpartum depression and anxiety screening tool

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is a screening tool designed to help determine your risk for developing depression and anxiety during pregnancy or after the birth of a child. The screening consists of 10 questions that take less than 5 minutes to answer. The answers provided are confidential; only the person taking the screen has access to them.

After completing the screening, the TLC staff advises printing the results so you can discuss them with your doctor or midwife. This helps your provider determine if you're experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety and helps guide your treatment.

Take the depression screening now.

TLC for Parents (postpartum depression support group)

Get some TLC (talking, listening, and caring) at a professionally run support group for pregnant people and new parents. You'll learn about the "baby blues," depression during pregnancy, and postpartum depression and anxiety. This free and confidential support group provides a forum to help you openly express your feelings and gain support from others.

In the TLC for Parents support group, you'll receive:

Comfort, support, and assistance from TLC experts
Information about emotional and physical changes experienced before and after giving birth
Support and understanding from other new parents and health care professionals
Assistance in appointment scheduling with mental health professionals, if necessary
Additional support through follow-up telephone calls
Education on treatment options for people experiencing depression or anxiety

TLC for Parents meets virtually every week and is always open to new members. Learn more and register for the TLC support group.

The TLC support group provides resources and services to people in the Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia areas. You can find national and international postpartum depression information and resources at Postpartum Support International.

What to know about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders

Up to 80 percent of new parents experience "baby blues" in the first few days following delivery. You may cry for no apparent reason or be impatient, irritable, restless, or anxious. These are normal postpartum emotions and usually disappear within 2 to 3 weeks after delivery.

However, some people experience more significant depression and anxiety symptoms that interfere with daily functions and interactions with others. According to Postpartum Support International, there are several forms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including: