Our society glorifies the postpartum period as "the happiest time of your life," yet, a large majority of women are overwhelmed by the naturally occurring emotional, physical and psychological stressors that accompany this time. Stressors such as hormonal shifts, professional and personal role changes, feelings of loss of a previous life, tension in relationships with spouses, partners, family members, and health complications stemming from or exacerbated by pregnancy are extremely common.  In fact, up to 85% of new mothers suffer from the "Baby Blues," an up to two week postpartum time period characterized by increased mood lability, tearfulness, and anxiety. However, when these feelings last longer than two weeks, and symptoms worsen, becoming more pervasive, intervention is necessary. This is the case for 15-20% of women, whose symptoms of depression or anxiety qualify for a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder.

 

Perinatal mood or anxiety disorder symptoms can occur at any time during one's pregnancy including during the first 12 months after childbirth.  Symptoms include:

 

·      Feeling sad or depressed

 

·      Feeling irritable or angry towards those around you

 

·      Difficulties bonding with your baby

 

·      Feelings of anxiety or panic

 

·      Difficulties eating or sleeping

 

·      Experiencing upsetting and scary thoughts that you can't seem to get out of your head

 

·      Feeling as if you are "going crazy"

 

·      Concerns that you might hurt your baby or yourself

 

If you recognize any of the above symptoms in you or your loved ones, a diagnosable perinatal mood or anxiety disorder may be present.  It is important to note that while the emphasis on postpartum disorders is generally reserved for childbearing women—fathers, partners, or adoptive parents can suffer from postpartum mood or anxiety disorders and can benefit from intervention. In fact,  10-20% of men experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.  Dr. Brandt believes that a thorough and broadened assessment of the family unit is critical in the treatment of postpartum disorders and encourages fathers, partners, and family members to be a part of ongoing sessions. 

 

While Dr. Brandt's postpartum patients are always welcome to schedule appointments in her office, Dr. Brandt recognizes that for new mothers, making it to an office appointment is challenging. There are already too many pressures placed on new parents, making it difficult to self-care. Therefore Dr. Brandt is proud to offer her postpartum patients in-home visitation appointments. She believes removing the added stresses of making it to the office will allow more postpartum patients the chance to benefit from professional help.

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Dr. Brandt is proud to offer her services to patients in the following cities and surrounding areas: Parkland, Coral Springs, Boca Raton. Dr. Brandt also services patients throughout the state of Florida and New York through her telemedicine platform.

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• Member of Postpartum Support International (PSI) 

• Completed PSI and 2020 Mom Professional Maternal Mental Health Certificate Training

• Completed PSI Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Training

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* Due to restrictions and safety measures implemented for COVID-19, Dr. Brandt is currently ONLY providing online video/ telehealth appointments to all clients through a secure/encrypted and HIPPA compliant online site.