Did you know that 1 in 8 women suffer from postpartum depression? You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well!

The main symptom for postpartum depression isn't always depression. It can often be overwhelming anxiety, guilt and worry. Many moms suffering from the illness feel completely overwhelmed. If you're pregnant or just had your baby and feeling distressed, local groups can help.

***VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION***

Extreme symptoms that require immediate medical attention include hallucinations, thoughts of suicide, or delusional thoughts that may include a need to hurt the baby. Often, it is a spouse, family member, or caregiver that notices these changes in the mother. Called Postpartum Psychosis, this is an extremely rare event that occurs in less than 1% of new mothers. It is not to be confused with a Postpartum Mood Disorder. Call 911 or take the mother to the emergency room immediately for help.

Wake County
Moms Supporting Moms
The group, now a decade old, offers Thursday night support group meetings at Rex Hospital in Raleigh. Volunteers offer support over the phone and by e-mail. And it recently started the Postpartum Education and Support to support to women and educate the public about the illness. Love their tagline: Squash the Stigma!
Phone: (919) 454-6946
E-mail: JoAnn Armstrong, PES Executive Director
E-mail: Ann Wimer, PES Programs Director

Perinatal Psychiatry Clinic at Rex Hospital (UNC)
Appointments available for pregnant or postpartum women.
Location: Rex Family Birth Center, Rex Hospital, 4420 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh
Phone: (919) 784-6425 

Durham County
Duke Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Group
The program offers a twice monthly support group for anyone who is distressed during pregnancy or the first year after birth. The group meets near Southpoint Mall.
Contact: Bill Meyer, Associate Clinical Professor
Phone: (919) 681-6840

Orange County
UNC Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a variety of services, including a support group, perinatal clinics in both Chapel Hill and Raleigh (Rex Hospital), a perinatal inpatient program and perinatal loss support program.
Contact: Chris Raines, RN/MSN
Phone: (919) 966-3115

Online Resources

Postpartum Dads - When a Mom is suffering from postpartum depression, it impacts the whole family and Dad has to deal with a variety of stresses and emotions. Postpartum Dads is focused on "helping families overcome postpartum depression (PPD)."

Postpartum Support International - Postpartum Support International is dedicated to helping women suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. They also work to educate family, friends and healthcare providers  to give women the support they need to recover. 

Embrace Motherhood - A site for both Moms and Dads, offers a list of postpartum depression online resources as well as a list of books on postpartum depression.

Let us know of any changes or new information, so we can keep this page up to date.