Prompt #49Postpartum 0–3 mo

Prompt 49: The Postpartum Mood Disorder Check-In

When to use it

You want to know if what you're feeling is normal "baby blues" or something more. You want a real screening, not "you'll be fine."

The Prompt

I'm [N] weeks postpartum and I want a real check-in on my mental health. I want to know what's normal and what's a sign I need help.

My current state (over the last 2 weeks):
- Mood: [E.G., "OK most of the time" / "I cry a lot" / "I feel nothing" / "I get angry suddenly"]
- Sleep (when able): [E.G., "I can sleep" / "I can't sleep even when baby sleeps" / "intrusive thoughts at night"]
- Anxiety: [E.G., "I'm worried about [X]" / "I'm constantly checking baby is breathing" / "I'm afraid to be alone with baby" / "I worry something bad will happen"]
- Intrusive thoughts: [E.G., "I have thoughts of [X]" / "I imagine dropping the baby down the stairs" / "I imagine something happening to baby" / "no, I just feel guilty"]
- Bonding: [E.G., "I feel bonded" / "I feel like I'm just surviving" / "I don't feel like myself with baby" / "I resent baby sometimes"]
- Appetite: [E.G., "normal" / "I forget to eat" / "I eat to cope" / "no appetite"]
- Energy: [E.G., "exhausted but functional" / "I can't get out of bed" / "wired but tired"]
- Partner/family: [E.G., "supportive" / "I feel alone" / "we're fighting" / "I don't want them to see me like this"]
- History: [E.G., "I had depression before" / "PPD with previous baby" / "anxiety disorder" / "no history"]

Please give me:
1. The difference between baby blues, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD, and postpartum psychosis
2. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) — actual 10 questions, scored
3. What to do with the score
4. What's a 'normal new parent' feeling vs. what's clinical
5. If I need help: who to call (and the actual phone numbers)
6. What treatments are safe while breastfeeding (and if I'm not breastfeeding)
7. The medication question (SSRIs, etc.) — the actual evidence
8. How to tell my OB / partner / family

Important: I want honest screening, not a 'you're fine' pat.

Example output

*"Baby blues: 2-3 wks postpartum, tearful, emotional, passes by 2 wks. Postpartum depression: persistent sadness, loss of interest, hopelessness, can start any time in first year, 1 in 7. Postpartum anxiety: excessive worry, racing thoughts, can't sleep, panic, 1 in 5. Postpartum OCD: intrusive thoughts (often violent/scary), no actual desire to act, very treatable. Postpartum psychosis: hallucinations/delusions, ER emergency, rare. EPDS: 10 questions, score 0-30. <10 = monitor, 10-13 = talk to provider, >13 = screen positive for depression, item 10 (self-harm) any score = immediate help. Treatment while breastfeeding: sertraline, escitalopram are first-line (minimal transfer). Tell OB: 'I'm not OK. I need help.' Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773."*

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