Postpartum & Perinatal Mental Health

The journey through pregnancy and new parenthood brings profound changes, and for many women, these changes include significant mental health challenges. At Ascend Psychiatry & Therapy in Tukwila, Washington, we provide specialized psychiatric care for perinatal and postpartum mental health conditions.

Understanding Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a serious but treatable medical condition that goes beyond the typical baby blues. While many new mothers experience mood swings, crying spells, and anxiety in the first two weeks after delivery, postpartum depression involves more intense and longer-lasting symptoms that can interfere with your ability to care for yourself and your baby. It is believed to be linked to the physical, hormonal, social, and emotional changes that occur with having a baby.

Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms of postpartum depression may include severe mood swings, excessive crying, difficulty bonding with your baby, withdrawal from family and friends, loss of appetite or overeating, insomnia or sleeping too much, overwhelming fatigue, reduced interest in activities you used to enjoy, intense irritability and anger, feelings of worthlessness, shame, or guilt, difficulty concentrating, and intrusive thoughts about harming yourself or your baby. These symptoms can appear anytime within the first year after childbirth.

Prenatal Mental Health

Mental health challenges can also arise during pregnancy. Prenatal anxiety and depression are common and can affect both the mother and the developing baby if left untreated. We provide safe, evidence-based treatment options during pregnancy, carefully weighing the benefits and risks of medication to protect both mother and child.

Our Treatment Approach

Ethiopia Zerfu, ARNP, PMHNP-BC, provides a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can discuss your experiences openly. Treatment may include psychiatric evaluation tailored to perinatal concerns, medication management with careful consideration of breastfeeding and pregnancy safety, ongoing monitoring and support throughout your postpartum journey, and coordination with your OB-GYN or midwife for comprehensive care.

You Deserve Support

Experiencing depression or anxiety during or after pregnancy does not mean you are a bad parent. It means you have a medical condition that responds to treatment. We offer flexible scheduling and telepsychiatry appointments to make it easier for new and expecting mothers to get the care they need across Washington State.