Postpartum Depression

At Heal SD in San Diego, California, Laura Miramontes, ND, provides herbal and nutrient support for women struggling with postpartum depression who want to reduce their antidepressant medication. She leans on natural and Ayurvedic medicine to restore balance and health. To find out more about Dr. Laura Miramontes, ND, natural approach to postpartum depression, call or schedule an in-office or telemedicine appointment online today.

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that develops in some women after childbirth. It’s a common condition, affecting 10-20% of new mothers within a year after childbirth. Women of color are at greater risk of developing postpartum depression but are less likely to get the care they need.

Researchers theorize that hormonal changes may trigger postpartum depression symptoms. During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels are at their highest. When you give birth, hormone levels drop quickly back to normal.

This rapid change in hormones may affect mood, leading to depression. 

What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?

It’s normal to have mixed emotions following the birth of your baby. That is called the “baby blues,” and it resolves within a week or two. With postpartum depression, the symptoms don’t improve and may get worse.

Common symptoms of postpartum depression include:

• Restlessness
• Moodiness
• Fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping
• Anxiety
• Crying a lot 
• Difficulty taking care of yourself or your baby
• Disinterest in activities that bring you joy
• Frequent headaches or stomach aches

Postpartum depression affects women from all walks of life. Dr. Laura Miramontes, ND, provides support and guidance for all women feeling less than their best selves after giving birth. She’s especially proud to provide care to women of color who often don’t get the treatment they need from conventional medicine.

What can I expect during a postpartum depression evaluation?

You can expect a compassionate visit with Dr. Laura Miramontes, ND, during your postpartum depression evaluation. She asks detailed questions to better understand your health concerns.

She wants to know about your typical routine, including what you eat, your exercise habits, how you feel, and how you take care of yourself. Using Ayurvedic medicine techniques, she examines your tongue and skin and checks your pulse to find exactly where the imbalance is in your body.

Dr. Laura Miramontes, ND, also runs advanced lab testing, including a check of your hormone levels.

What natural treatments can help my postpartum depression?

Dr. Laura Miramontes, ND, focuses on developing plans that promote health in every area of life. For postpartum depression, she provides herbal and nutrient support for women who want to decrease their reliance on antidepressant medication.

She first explains your lab results and then recommends a treatment plan. She customizes your plan to match your unique needs, taking into account your whole body's health.

Dr. Laura Miramontes, ND, has advanced training in endocrinology and infertility and understands hormones and how they affect health and mood.

At Heal SD, the focus is on health in every area of life. Call Heal SD or schedule an appointment online to find out more about the natural and Ayurvedic therapies that can benefit your postpartum depression.