An Interview With Jake Frankel
Asking for help or confiding in a healthcare professional will not result in your child being taken away. Some mothers hesitate to share their experiences with providers due to fears of being judged as unfit parents and involving social services. It’s crucial to recognize that unless a provider believes the mother or child is in grave danger, such actions will not occur.
Postpartum depression affects millions of women worldwide, yet it remains a topic that is often misunderstood and stigmatized. Through this series, we aim to shed light on the various aspects of postpartum depression, including its symptoms, causes, treatment options, and the impact it has on individuals and families. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Rachel Goldberg.
Meet Rachel Goldberg, MS, LMFT, a dedicated therapist specializing in perinatal issues, including postpartum depression, and infertility. With a strong foundation rooted in psychology, Rachel graduated from UCLA, where she acquired research skills while studying psychology and contributing to research projects focused on understanding and addressing mental health challenges. Alongside her academic pursuits, Rachel is also certified as a fitness trainer for pre and postnatal women, enriching her understanding of holistic health and wellness. Building upon this academic success, she pursued her Master’s degree at USC, delving deeper into the realms of clinical psychology and therapy.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we begin, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’ve always been interested in overall health and well-being. In fact, while I was studying psychology, I began a career as a personal trainer and fitness instructor. As I leaned more into this field and eventually became a mother myself, I found that I was surrounded by other mothers who were sometimes struggling to find much joy in motherhood and who also didn’t feel comfortable in their own bodies.
This experience inspired me to delve deeper into understanding postpartum depression (PPD) and the unique challenges faced by new mothers. It also motivated me to become certified specifically to help mothers reclaim their bodies through fitness. Over time I’ve become passionate about supporting mothers on their journey to better mental and physical health, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact in their lives.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview, about postpartum depression. Let’s start with a basic definition so that all of us are on the same page. Can you please tell us what postpartum depression is?
Postpartum depression is a mental health disorder characterized by prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in regular activities that typically show up within the first few weeks or months after childbirth. It typically disrupts daily functioning and comes with mood swings, irritability, lack of self-care, and sometimes an inability to bond with their baby.
Can you discuss some common misconceptions about postpartum depression and why they are harmful?
Some common misconceptions about postpartum depression include the belief that it’s just the baby blues and normal to have mood swings or feel down after childbirth. While the baby blues are indeed very common (with studies suggesting it affects 80% of women after birth), symptoms subside within a couple of weeks. Postpartum depression, however, is ongoing and usually requires professional attention.
Another myth is that it’s solely hormonal or due to being overly tired. Although both are contributing factors, it doesn’t represent the full story. Additionally, it’s sometimes believed to only affect mothers who gave birth and those with a history of mental illness; however, it can also affect partners or those who used a gestational carrier, and while it’s more common in women with a history of mental health issues, it can impact anyone. With that said, since it predominantly affects women who gave birth, this will be written and tailored predominantly to their experience.
The harm in minimizing symptoms due to a lack of understanding is that it isn’t properly addressed or taken seriously. This can make the mother feel like something is wrong with her and affect her self-esteem and the way she shows up in her role as a parent, partner, friend, etc. Furthermore, the consequences not only affect the well-being of the mother but also the entire family dynamic, including the nurturing environment the baby needs to thrive. Finally, it can potentially lead to self-harm or harm to the baby if the condition worsens and remains unaddressed.
Can you explain the role of hormonal changes in postpartum depression, and how does this influence treatment approaches?
After birth, there is a rapid drop in hormones that significantly increases throughout pregnancy. These hormones play a significant role in mood and can contribute to feelings of sadness or despair after birth. Hormones involved in nursing can also influence mood; however, as mentioned earlier, the adjustment to these hormones should not persist into prolonged low mood indicative of postpartum depression.
It’s worth considering hormone levels as part of treatment for postpartum depression, as deficiencies can exacerbate mood disturbances; however, this approach doesn’t typically provide enough relief to mitigate any need for further action.
How does postpartum depression impact the bonding between a mother and her baby, and what interventions are available to address this?
Postpartum depression impacts the bonding between mom and baby because when a mother is unable to prioritize her own well-being and find joy in her new role, she may struggle to consistently meet her baby’s needs. Although she may still fulfill her basic duties as a caregiver and have moments of connection with her little one, PPD can also elicit feelings of resentment or ambivalence toward the baby. Additionally, mothers with PPD may appear withdrawn or irritable, making it challenging for them to be sensitive to their baby’s cues.
Addressing PPD directly is key to improving the mother’s ability to bond with her baby. By alleviating the mother’s symptoms, she can better engage with her baby and respond sensitively to their needs. This concept is similar to the safety instructions on an airplane where it’s advised for the parent to put on their oxygen mask before assisting their child.
What are some of the best ways to treat postpartum depression?
The most effective treatments for postpartum depression have been shown to include professional therapy, support groups, and in some cases, medication. Working with a therapist who specializes in postpartum depression can be supportive by validating their experience, normalizing their feelings, and offering education and coping strategies tailored specifically to postpartum parents as well as their individual needs. Additionally, participating in support groups with other individuals can help them to feel less isolated and reduce any shame associated. It can also help them to build a community of like-minded mothers they can turn to during late-night feedings or when feeling distressed.
Medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), commonly used to treat depression or anxiety disorders, can also be beneficial in alleviating symptoms and improving functioning. Other things that are usually part of treatment entail carving time for self-care activities, such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, nutritious eating, and maintaining social connections. Finally, relinquishing some control and involving friends and family to help with some of the caregiving tasks can be of tremendous help.
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Things Everyone Should Know About Postpartum Depression?”
1 . It is not the mother’s fault. It’s a complex mental health condition influenced by genetics, psychosocial stressors, and the availability of support. It is not a personal failure or weakness. A new mother is often quick to blame herself for everything, and if her mood is down or she is diagnosed with PPD, this may add to her guilt and feeling as if she should be able to “snap out of it.” This self-blame can exacerbate the issue and prevent her from seeking help.
2 . It can make it hard for mothers to take care of themselves and baby. The overwhelming feelings of sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion can make even the most basic self-care tasks challenging. I had a client who once ignored excruciating back pain for weeks without getting medical attention and ended up in the hospital with kidney stones.
3 . It impacts the entire family including the baby, partner, and other children. A mother who is detached, irritable, and unengaged places undue stress on the entire family system. This can manifest in the partner feeling overwhelmed, attempting to balance work life with caring for the baby and supporting their suffering partner. Additionally, it can lead to other children feeling neglected or acting out, creating additional stressors within the family dynamic.
4 . Asking for help or confiding in a healthcare professional will not result in your child being taken away. Some mothers hesitate to share their experiences with providers due to fears of being judged as unfit parents and involving social services. It’s crucial to recognize that unless a provider believes the mother or child is in grave danger, such actions will not occur.
5 . Effective treatment can bring about significant improvements in a relatively short period. By acknowledging the issue and seeking support, new moms can quickly receive validation and acquire tools to regain a sense of normalcy. In my practice, I have observed many clients who, at first, felt hopeless and doubted their decision to have a baby, but soon underwent notable improvements and gained a fresh perspective. While some women may require additional support, the key is recognizing the issue and taking proactive steps, which can lead to substantial improvements relatively quickly.
What are some practical strategies for supporting a partner or loved one experiencing postpartum depression?
Educating yourself about the symptoms of postpartum depression and understanding that it’s not laziness or excuses will enable you to offer empathetic support. It’s crucial to proactively step in and assist without waiting for your loved one to ask for help. This may involve tasks like washing bottles, preparing food, doing laundry, or simply spending quality time together. Additionally, prioritize open communication and self-care. Avoid judgment and instead validate your loved one’s feelings. Encourage them to prioritize self-care by taking initiative, such as drawing a bath or booking a haircut appointment for them. These gestures can help them take important steps toward feeling better.
What are some cultural or societal factors that may contribute to the prevalence and experience of postpartum depression, and how can we address these effectively?
Cultural or societal factors that contribute to the prevalence of postpartum depression include stigma and shame surrounding mental health issues, especially when seeking help for psychological distress is viewed negatively. Additionally, lack of social support, unrealistic expectations of motherhood, and disproportionate caregiving responsibilities placed on women can exacerbate feelings of isolation, and inadequacy.
Addressing these factors includes increasing education and awareness about PPD, establishing community support networks, approaching mental health care with cultural sensitivity, encouraging the involvement of partners and family members, and improving access to healthcare services.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could influence change in one significant way, I would advocate for mental health providers to be integrated into OB/GYN offices and included in the six-week follow-up appointments. During these appointments, patients would have dedicated time (ranging from 20 minutes to half an hour) to discuss their mental health and well-being. While OB/GYNs and pediatricians often inquire about basic aspects of mental health during appointments, these discussions are typically rushed, and practitioners may not have the capacity to thoroughly assess and address mental health concerns. By integrating mental health providers into routine postpartum care, we can ensure that mothers receive comprehensive support and intervention when needed.
How can our readers further follow you online?
My website rachelgoldbergtherapy.com offers both educational resources and regularly updated blog posts on relevant topics.
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Rachel Goldberg: 5 Things Everyone Should Know About Postpartum Depression was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.