About Treatments
Common options for treating prenatal and postpartum depression, and how to talk to your clinician about them.
Common treatment approaches
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and other counseling approaches that are effective and safe in pregnancy and postpartum.
- Medications: Antidepressants may be recommended in some cases. Discuss benefits, risks, and alternatives with your clinician and, if relevant, your obstetric provider.
- Support services: Peer support groups, lactation consultants, and home visiting can assist recovery and daily functioning.
- Combined care: Therapy plus medication is effective for moderate to severe depression.
Preparing to talk with your clinician
- Bring notes about your symptoms: duration, severity, effect on daily life.
- Mention any breastfeeding plans or pregnancy concerns — these are important for treatment choices.
- Ask about risks and benefits, monitoring plans, and alternatives.
Open a decision tool
Use the guided tools to organize your thoughts before a visit.
When to seek urgent help
If you have thoughts of harming yourself or others, or are unable to care for yourself or your baby, seek emergency care or call your local crisis line immediately.