Professional Help for Post-Partum & Pregnancy Depression
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Psychiatrist for anxiety/PND near Albany
July 2012
I am moving to Albany from overseas and need to look for a psychiatrist to
manage my ongoing anxiety and postnatal depression. I don't have a preference
for gender but would prefer someone who is relaxed, understanding and
supportive. I am currently on antidepressants but hope to wean off these with
help. Thanks in advance!
B.
Hi,
I can highly recommend Michael Ratener who sees women with postpartum issues
and knows a lot about meds and nursing, if that is important to you. He is at
510 981-0800. Also, I just responded to a post asking for a postpartum
depression group and therapist. I recommended Lee Safran and she helped me
get in to see Dr. Ratener ASAP which was helpful as many of the psychiatrists
had long wait lists. Since you are overseas, you may want to make contact
right away.
Nicole
Need expert in postpartum thyroid/depression
Feb 2012
We are desperate to find an expert/someone with experience with
postpartum thyroid (we think) and postpartum depression issues.
I am almost 3 months postpartum with my 3rd child and started
having sudden and severe symptoms of postpartum depression about
1 1/2 weeks ago. I had/have almost every symptom on the list:
tons of crying, frustration, hopelessness, feeling like it would
never end, feeling like I was losing my mind, feeling like a
terrible mother, feeling overwhelmed, feeling worthless, etc.
After days of misery, there was a day of almost ''mania'' (felt
energetic, almost happy, and cleaned, worked out, walked miles
with stroller, etc.) and then I swung back to a pretty low low
and now seem to be ''swinging'' back and forth fairly
unpredictably. My GP told me that swings and days or periods of
feeling OK or even manic are not at all characteristic of PPD or
other types of depression and that it was hard to know what might
be going on with me since ''your symptoms keep changing daily.''
He cut my thyroid medication dose almost in half at 7 weeks and
since this situation started, my OB has subsequently said she
would have left it at pregnancy level dose for 6 months
postpartum.
I am hypothyroid in my ''normal'' state but did not have
postpartum issues with either of my other pregnancies. My
husband and I have been trying to learn what we can online and it
seems like there is a known issue of ''post partum thyroiditis''
and some disagreement about whether or not it's linked to post
partum depression. At this point, we're not sure if I have
either or both; the only thing we know is that I feel terrible as
a general rule and that this won't be good for anyone if it
persists.
Would love to hear from doctors, therapists, moms, families who
have experience with these issues or recommendations for help
ASAP.
Get to an endocrinologist! I am hypo and my thyroid went crazy after both
deliveries. You don't say if your TSH has been tested - and there is mixed
evidence on testing since it can be so crazy. I was given a slightly lower
dose after testing, and eventually went back up to pre-pregnancy does. Did
just add in Cytomel - I highly reccomend that if you can get your doctor to
add it in - helps with thyroid and mood. My guess is that your thyroid is a
mess but you may also have PPD. Maybe treat both until you feel more 'sane'.
PP thyroid stuff took about 3 months to shake out for me. Hang in there and
keep talking to family and friends and pushing doctors for support.
Take care
I have been treated for autoimmune hypothyroidism since my early teens, and I
was monitored closely during all three of my pregnancies. Since levels of
estrogen and other hormones can play havoc with thyroid levels, pregnancy and
the post-partum period are especially sensitive times for people who are
hypothyroid. My gynecologist referred me to an excellent endocrinologist in
Orinda, Dr Randall Ammon [(925) 254-3805)]. Coincidentally, my best friend
was referred to him by her doctor, also for an endocrine issue. Dr Ammon is
extremely thorough--he knows his stuff, and he's meticulous. He will explain
his thinking to you. Although he doesn't have a warm bedside manner, he's
excellent at what he does.
In addition to seeing an endocrine specialist, it sounds as though you're in
a place where a therapist would be useful as well. I don't have anybody local
to recommend, but I'm sure you can find a good fit.
Good luck!
Andrea
I certainly can't offer medical advice but have some
experience with depression/thyroid issues.
If you haven't already, get thryoid testing beyond TSH: t3,
free t3, t4, etc. That will give you some hard figures that
will help you work with your doctor on your thyroid dosage.
Also, you might want to work directly with a psychiatrist;
internists are not the best at medicating mood disorders. I
can't tell from your description if your ''almost manic'' day
was just a day you finally felt energetic, or if it was
accompanied by racing thoughts & other symptoms that could
indicate a minor bipolar episode with rapid cycling. There's no diagnostic
test, so you want someone experienced,
with common sense, who's up on the latest on women,
pregnancy & mood research (maybe Stanford or UCSF?)
A doctor of mine who had 3 kids told me that breastfeeding
her children brought on a terrible postpartum depression:
she couldn't stop crying. She said as soon as she stopped,
the depression lifted. She was from a traditional culture
and said breastfeeding is probably better for your children,
but having a functional mother is lots more important! So
there is a not-well-understood relationship between mood and
post-pregnancy hormones. Could your day of energy have been
related to breastfeeding? Just a thought. --Good Luck
Another mom I know highly recommends Dr. Nathan Becker in
San Francisco. She says ''...he is located on Parnassus
Avenue across from UCSF. His phone number is
415-681-7707...he is the leading endocrinologist in the
nation.'' This doctor was so helpful to my friend that she
still travels to California twice a year to see him.
Zoe P.
I am a psychologist who specializes in treating postpartum
mood disorders. Hard to say what is going on for you, but
issues with thyroid function during the postpartum period
are not uncommon. Whenever someone presents with symptoms of
postpartum depression/anxiety etc., it is standard to have
your thyroid function tested. Sounds like there is a history
of thyroid issues and this should definitely be ruled out. I would recommend
that you have your primary care doctor or
your OB test your thyroid function so that you can have a
clearer sense as to whether this is contributing to your
mood issues. Postpartum depression/anxiety/bipolar disorder
can come on suddenly, and rapid cycling bipolar disorder
should be ruled out as well. Gina
Delayed PostPartum depression?
March 2010
Hello, I delivered my twins 8 months ago and went back to work, part-time in
November. I am wondering if it possible to develop late postpartum depression.
All I want to do is sleep or run away. I'm sure this is normal for new moms, but
it seems to be coming on pretty late in the game. I can't wait for each day to
end so I can be done with the day and go to sleep. I love my husband but feel
so distant from him, don't really want to be around him (or anyone else), and
feel like an awful mom. I am on medication already for depression and was
ready for this 8 months ago but am feeling pretty awful lately. Because of
financial reasons, I cannot keep seeing my psychiatrist who charges about $200
a half hour. I need a psychiatrist who takes insurance (Blue Shield Blue Cross).
I live in the Pleasant Hill/Walnut Creek area and need someone on this side of
the tunnel. Thanks.
Anon
while i dont have a therapist rec for you, i can say that i am 2 years
postpartum and still feel that way. its hard because all you read
about ppd is only for the first 6 months or so, and then you are left
with -''well then what is wrong with me??'' i talked with my np at my
last visit (where i was in tears about it) and she said she hears this
*all* the time, from women of all types. its nice to know we arent
alone, but doesnt really help things does it? i think how you are
feeling is pretty normal but should still be addressed. i will say as
they get older it gets a bit easier, but all those feelings will still
exist so it'd be nice to have someone to talk too.
you are not alone
I believe you could have delayed post-partum depression. The
hormones involved are heavily fluctuating for at least the
first year after giving birth. My own post-partum depression
was not delayed, but I completely understand how crushing
yours must be. I am 18 months out and am still battling mine.
I have found an excellent psychiatrist in Orinda, Dr. James
Gracer. He has helped me immensely and never gives up. He
takes my insurance, Cigna. His phone number is 925-253-0567.
Jan 2009
Hi. I had depression before getting pregnant, stopped taking my
anti-depressant, and now am experiencing postpartum depression.
I am going to go to the doctor soon to address this, but was
wondering if anyone has been through this as well and what are
some of my treatment options (specifically for medication) if I
am breastfeeding still. Thank you.
J.
I'm sorry you're going through this but good for you for seeking
help. I had postpartum depression and finally sought treatment
when my baby was seven weeks old. I was given (and am still on) a
generic for Zoloft, which treats depression and anxiety, and is
safe to take while breastfeeding. It works very well for me, and
I know other moms who have been prescribed the same medication.
Good luck and know that things WILL get better when you get into
treatment.
SB
My therapist Joanne Davis is starting a Postpartum Depression
support group in Albany. I highly recommend her - you can email:
joannedavismft@gmail.com or call 510-295-3270 if you're interested.
Best wishes.
Hi,
I know there is lots of past advice on this, and of course I
don't have a medical opinion, but I thought it might be helpful
to hear a personal story. I had depression before pregnancy and
was taking Zoloft. I stopped when we were trying to get
pregnant. About five months into the pregnancy, I had
debilitating anxiety and depression, and after consulting
doctors, doing research, and much soul searching, I went back on
the Zoloft. I have been on it since then, and my daughter is now
six weeks old and exclusively breastfeeding. She is in perfect
health and doing great. Everything I read and the medical
professionals I talked with convinced me that I wasn't doing her
any harm by doing this, and that it is far preferable to the
negative impact my depression and anxiety would have on her.
Also, I'm doing well on the Zoloft and haven't had any postpartum
depression, which I was quite concerned about given my history.
Good luck with your decision.
Content on medication
I also took antidepressants before pregnancy, stopped taking
them, and then experienced post-partum. My OB/GYN prescribed
Sertraline (Zoloft generic) while I was breastfeeding, and it
worked great.
no longer depressed
i went through severe postpartum depression after i gave birth to
my 1st child. it was awful. so bad i could hardly function. my
primary physician didn't have a clue as to what i was going
through, neither did my obgyn. in my search for help i was
referred dr shoshana bennet. she knew exactly what i was going
through and gave me the support i needed to get better [which
included medication]. as difficult as this may sound, you should
be enjoying your baby. suffering from depression made that
impossible for me. shoshana's info
http://www.hypnosisnetwork.com/therapists/therapists_sbennett.php
good luck and i hope you get better soon
My wife's postpartum depression was noticed and diagnosed by our
pediatrician, Wolffe Nadoolman, in Berkeley. He has been to
seminars at Pospartum Support International--their website is
really helpful (he told us about them). He was amazing and
helped us get through it. His approach was to see mother and
baby very often, and at one point he called every evening to see
how the day went. He had a very rational approach, dealing with
each fear and worry one by one, with the idea that as those
anxieties are discussed and dealt with openly, a lot of the
self-doubt can heal. He seemed way more aware of postpartum
depression than the OB and really was the key to us getting past it.
frank
I would like to recommend my colleague Lee Safran, MFT, who
facilitates a postpartum support group in North Berkeley on
Saturday mornings. Lee would also be an excellent therapist to
consult with individually regarding your questions and concerns.
She can be reached at 510-496-6096.
Yvonne Mansell
Postpardum Depression Treatment
Jan 2009
Hi. I suffered from depression prior to my pregnancy and now feel
that I am suffering some postpartum depression as well. Before
pregnancy I took Prozac, but stopped when I found out I was
pregnant. I am planning to see a doctor soon, but am not sure that
my primary physician will know much about depression or postpartum
symptoms and treatment. Was wondering if anyone else has been
treated for this and know some treatment options including
medications that are safe while breastfeeding or other alternative
options. I would like to have some treatment options in mind
before making my doctors appointment. Thanks.
east bay resident
I too was on prozac until I found out I was pregnant, and then I
immediately weaned off of it. I was fine after that birth four
years ago, but got a bad case of postpartum depression after the
birth of my second child three months ago. I assumed that I
would be put on prozac as that was what I used successfully
before. Turns out zoloft is the drug of choice for
breastfeeding moms because so little passes into the breastmilk.
I've been on the minimum dose of zoloft since my daughter was
two weeks old and I feel great. I don't know about other
treatments but zoloft has worked really for me.
Andi
I would like to recommend my colleague Lee Safran, MFT, who
facilitates a postpartum support group in North Berkeley on
Saturday mornings. Lee would also be an excellent therapist to
consult with individually regarding your questions and concerns.
She can be reached at 510-496-6096.
Yvonne Mansell, MFT
Before you embark on any further treatments with SSRI
medications I urge you to take a look at a few websites on the
subject. One is www.paxilprogress.com. There is also a great
book on the subject by Ann Blake Tracy called ''Prozac Panacea
or Pandora. Once viewing those you won't want to be taking any
SSRI medications while breast feeding for sure and likely you
will have serious concerns that you did use them ever and if you
should continue to do so. If you are still taking them now you
may need to wean off them slowly. Alot of folks report various
problems when discontinuing those drugs too quickly, others
report profound problems after getting off the drugs or trying
to get off of them that are much worse than the original
symptoms and in some cases have been permanent. Try to find a
solution that doesn't involve the use of SSRI drugs unless
absolutely necessary (if there is such a thing). Supposedly
these drugs were tested in humans for only a week or two before
public
release by the FDA to the masses. How long were you on Prozac?
Most doctor's knowledge about these drugs is limited to what the
pharmaceutical reps tell them when they drop off free samples
for the doctors to pass out. Be an informed consumer!
anon
Post-partum depression therapist?
Jan 2009
Hello,
I just moved here and I would like to find out if there are any
specialist therapists for post-partum depression in the area that
someone can recommend. I am looking for one to one therapy as well
as perhaps some new mother's groups in the area, if such a thing
is happening around here. thanks.
G
Hi,
I'm sorry to hear that you are dealing with postpartum depression. But, I have a great referral for you. I have worked with Lee Safran after having incredible postpartum anxiety with my second child. She was incredibly helpful to me both in terms of working in the present with my irritability and fear and as well as looking at my past which (in my case) contributed a lot to the upheaval I experienced. I know she also runs groups for postpartum depression. What has been great about working with her, is that I have gone back for check-ins and she remembers me so well that I don't feel like I'm starting over with someone new when I want to focus on a specific issue. She is in Albany and can be reached at 510 496-6096.
I've also spoken with Shoshanna Bennett on the phone and she was very helpful, but that felt more like a consultation than therapy and it was super expensive.
Good luck and take good care of yourself. If I've learned anything it's that taking care of myself is what helps me take care of my kids.
Another Mama Whose Been There
Sept 2008
Does anyone have any recent recommendations for a wonderful female
psychologist who I can see for post-partum depression? I do need to
see someone who can prescribe medications. I'm not in the Kaiser
network, and I'd like to find someone in the Berkeley area. Thank
you.
Hello I don't know of a doctor -- but just as an FYI -- psychologists
cannot prescribe meds. You will need a psychiatrist -- or a primary
care physician or another type of medical practitioner like a nurse
practitioner.
kate C.
I suffered from PPD with my first child and vowed I would get help the
second time around which I did. I highly recommend Dr. Shoshanna
Bennett (www.drshosh.com). She is simply the best and highly respected
within the community. Thanks to her guidance I was able to avoid the
black hole of PPD.
Best of luck to you!
anon
Aug 2008
I'm looking for a psychiatrist who can help me with women's mental
health issues. I have a lot of hormone-related mental health
issues, e.g. PMS, depression/anxiety during pregnancy and
postpartum, plus I'm starting to wonder about effects of varous
birth control methods. I currently have a psychiatrist, who is
fine at managing my meds, but he's sort of impersonal and doesn't
really *get* the women's issues. Any recommendations? Maybe a
female doc this time? I'm on Blue Shield.
One of my friends who had very similar complaints as yours,
has had tremendous relief and success with psychiatrist Karen
Johnson, MD in Oakland, CA. I saved the doctor's name and am
happy to pass it along, as this doctor is someone I know can
be an excellent resource. Best wishes!
Louise
A local complementary medicine MD (OBG, not psychiatrist) who specializes in
women's issues, especially perimenopause and menopause, is Sara Gottfried. She
teaches yoga (and yoga/menopause) classes, and sees individuals in her medical
practice. A friend has worked with her with great benefits. She's in Oakland
(510)601-7111; website: http://doctorgottfried.com
Nov 2006
I would like to recommend a psychiatrist to a friend who is in mid-pregnancy and suffering
from depression. Can anyone recommend a good psychiatrist who is familiar with issues around
medications and pregnancy?
alena
Three local psychiatrists who specialize in this area: Heather Clague 510.869.4999,
Monika Eisenbud 845.1968, or Phylis Cedars 466.5636. Good luck - Gina H.
Psychiatrist for post-partem anxiety
June 2006
I am seeking a psychiatrist for post-partem anxiety. My choices (through my
insurance plan) are: a) John Rosenberg; b) Donald Stanford; c) Mike Gumble and d)
Jane Delay.
Does anyone have experience with any of these doctors? I prefer someone who has
some warmth and is not just a drug-dolling autobot.
CE
I have had a wonderful recovery through working with Dr. Jules Tanenbaum- he is
in Walnut creek but worth the drive.
b.
I would highly recommend Dr. Jane Dulay. She is caring,
knowledgeable psychiatrist here in the East Bay.
Michael Y. Simon, MFT
Psychiatrist who knows about antidepressants during pregnancy
May 2006
I'd like to find a psychiatrist who knows a lot about the pros
and cons of being on antidepressants during pregnancy. Any help?
Thank you!
anon
I was on depression/anxiety medication during my pregnancy and used Dr. Peter
Freedman. He knows what he's doing and is very caring. He is always doing research on
this issue and knows the very latest in what is safe/not safe/risky. He's in Berkeley
and his number is 510-549-3287.
Good luck!
anon
I don't have a specfic recommendation but as my partner and a few friends are
psychiatrists, I can vouch that all of them know extensively about meds and pregnancy,
as it is an important part of their learning process about psychotropic medications.
So, better to find someone that you get good word about, and know that all of them
know what they need to know about meds and safety issues/pros and cons, in pregnancy.
Best of luck. Kate
I'm now in my second pregnancy and have continued taking Zoloft
through both. My psychiatrist has been pretty helpful in working
with me on the issues involved. Before my first pregnancy, we
tried slowly reducing my dosage to try to come off of the meds
and it was clear at a certain point that I was at the lowest
dosage I could be at and still remain stable. He said that there
are no known problems that come from using Zoloft during
pregnancy, although there are known problems that come from being
depressed. So even though there is a theoretical risk with any
medication, for me it was the lesser of two evils. Anyway, his
name is Dr. Lawrence Cohen and his number is 981-9141. I've
appreciated him as my psychiatrist. Good luck.
anon
It's a bit of a distance to go, but for really expert up to date advice, I'd try the
Stanford Mood Disorders Clinic. Anyone there will be knowledgable.
anon
Psychiatrist skilled with postpartum depression
August 2005
I'm looking for a more recent recommendation for a psychiatrist who is experienced
in treating postpartum depression. I've never been treated for depression before but
I'm expecting my second baby in October and I'm not sure I can 'tough it out' as I
did/am doing after the birth of my first. I'm very nervous about going down this
path (meds) but more nervous about not treating the problem. I have a list of people
from HealthNet which provides no information about specialty, etc. Picking a name
out of a hat is just exacerbating my stress. Any advice, recommendations would be
most appreciated.
anon
Greetings,
I am a marriage and family therapist who works a great deal
with postpartum depression/anxiety and parenting transitions.
I think you are wise to look for a psychiatrist who can respond
well to the postpartum period as being sensitive to and
knowledgeable about various factors (nursing, changing dosage,
etc.)is certainly not true for all psychiatrists. I currently
refer to the following M.D.s re: postpartum depression.
Phyllis Cedars 466-5636 (often full)
Monica Eisenbud 845-1968
Michael Lowenstein 925 258-9302
Michael Ratener 1-888-246-1964 (open to alternative medicine)
Please feel free to contact me if you would like more
information about any of these M.D.s. Also, I run a Postpartum
Stress Support Group which I would be happy to tell you about.
Group members certainly feel that not having to ''tough it out
alone'' makes all the difference.
All my best,
Lee
I highly recommend Dr. Emily Newman. She's based in SF -- but
highly worth the trip across the bay. She helped me with my
depression prior to my 2nd pregnancy -- and all the way through
it. Like you, I had decided I couldn't ''tough it out'' like I
did with my first. 257 Connecticut St. (415) 565-7101.
anon
I saw Steven Joseph in Albany, and I think he's wonderful.
Though he does not specialize in PPD, he was extremely helpful,
and is one of the few psychiatrists who practices real
psychotherapy, instead of focusing on meds, though he does it
all. He also has a Jungian background.
Shoshana Bennett (sp?) is THE resident expert on PPD, however,
and had she not been located so far away from me, I probably
would have sought her out. She is in Walnut Creek, I believe.
She is well-known, written an important book on the subject,
and has experienced the condition herself.
been there, too
Prolonged post-partum depression
July 2005
Seeking opinions about Dr. Cary Littell and Dr. Ilene Philipson.
I have moved from postpartum depression into something close to
major depression, and would appreciate hearing from anyone who
has seen one of these two therapists. Thank you.
anon.
I can highly recommend Dr. Phillipson. She is a very smart,
warm and competent therapist with many years of experience. She
is very ethical, sensitive and be able to help with your
depression.
Good Luck.
anon
Hi,
I don't know about the 2 therapists you mentioned. But, I
wanted to respond as I also have struggled with a prolonged
postpartum depression. For me, a lot of old stuff came to the
forground after having my second child and I was pretty
imobilized. I have been working with Lee Safran, who has a
practice on Solano and specializes in both depression and
postpartum issues. She has been a lifesaver for me offering
practical ideas as well as wise insight into some truly
unresolved issues. She also runs a postpartum stress group
which I can't attend (scheduling) but I imagine it's quite
helpful. Her number is 510 496-6096. All my best to you and
my encouragement in taking care of yourself - it makes all the
difference.
anon
Therapist for postpartum depression
Dec 2004
Soliciting recommendations for a Berkeley/Oakland area therapist
who can deal with mild postpartum depression & related issues. I
have a toddler at home, and an infant, and an unemployed husband.
I am hoping to find someone who takes Blue Cross. I checked the
archives, but found none of my blue cross-recommended therapists
there. Thank you.
anon.
I'd like to recommend my colleague, Lee Safran, MFT. Lee has
extensive experience working with postpartum depression - she
runs a group, as well as doing individual, and couple's
therapy. She is competent and compassionate. I don't know if
she is a Blue Cross provider, however I think that Blue Cross
will cover for non-providers, at a reduced rate. Her office is
in Albany and you can reach her at (510) 496-6096.
Megan
I would recommend Fran Bennett for working with issues
around depression. I saw her for group therapy and really
liked her. I'm not sure what insurance she takes but if she
doesn't take blue cross, I would ask about a sliding scale
payment plan. (I would ask that from any therapist if my
insurance wouldn't help me out.) Fran works in Hayward and her
number is (510) 888-2415. Good luck!
anon.
I went to see a woman named Alisa Genovese in Kensington, right
on the circle. She specializes in post-partum issues. It helped
save my life!!! Her phone number is 510-286-7599. She's also
willing to work with the husbands/partners of the Mom. Good luck!
happycamper22
Psychiatrist for post-partum depression
April 2000
I'm looking for a recommendation for a doctor who specializes in
post-partum depression.
I'm currently covered by Kaiser, but anyone outside the system is fine.
One of the Bay Area specialists in postpartum depression and also in
womens hormones and mental well being is at Kaiser Oakland.
Dr. Jeanne Leventhal in the Department of Psychiatry.(This is number for
her nurse. I don't know if it is the way to make an appointment, but
try it 596-7899)
Sherry
I highly recommend Dr. Judy Schwartz, a Berkeley
psychiatrist who offers talk and/or drug therapies for
hormonally related problems among others.
If she currently has no openings, ask her for
recommendations of other practitioners with expertise
in this area.
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