Postpartum care is often focused on physical recovery, but mental health is just as important. In fact, many new mothers struggle with their emotional well-being after childbirth, but treatment options don’t always feel safe or accessible. This has sparked a widespread interest in alternatives, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive therapy that targets the brain directly.
In this article, we’ll discuss TMS and postpartum depression, how it works, and the science that backs up its effectiveness.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Bringing a baby into the world is often joyful, but for many new mothers the reality feels very different. Instead of feeling excited, they might feel exhausted, detached from their baby, or like they can’t escape feelings of depression. These symptoms aren’t baby blues that go away within a few days, but they’re actually indicative of postpartum depression (PPD) or postnatal depression, a condition that affects about 1 in 8 women. In some states, that number can be as high as 1 in 5 women.
Postpartum depression can last for weeks or months, and it can make everyday life feel like a steep climb. Some mothers describe it as being on autopilot. They go through the motions of taking care of their baby, but they’re unable to emotionally connect with them. The condition can range in intensity, but even mild symptoms can make the transition into motherhood feel daunting.
Causes of Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression can be caused by a myriad of factors. These can include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Sudden drops in estrogen and progesterone after birth
- Chronic sleep loss that continues to build over a period of weeks (a recent study found new parents lose around 700 hours of sleep in their baby’s first year-that’s almost three months of lost sleep!)
- Pressure to get back in shape and look the way you did before birth
- Stressful life events or limited social support
- Birth trauma or difficult delivery experiences
Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Symptoms aren’t the same for everyone, but common ones include:
- Feeling persistently sad, hopeless, or irritable
- Crying more than usual, often without a clear reason
- Difficulty bonding with or feeling connected to the baby
- Withdrawing from loved ones and isolating yourself
- Major changes in sleep or appetite
- Fatigue that doesn’t go away, even with rest
- Feelings of intense guilt or thoughts of being a “bad” mother
- Anxiety, panic attacks, or recurring thoughts of harm
If these symptoms continue beyond two weeks after childbirth, or if you have thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby, it’s crucial that you seek help immediately. In the U.S., you can call 9-1-1 for emergencies or reach out to the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-943-5746 for support.
How Do You Treat Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is treatable through a combination of treatments, starting with therapy. Two therapeutic approaches for treating postpartum depression are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT).
CBT challenges negative thought patterns and replaces them with realistic and positive ones, while teaching healthier ways to cope with the stress that comes along with motherhood. IPT focuses on the mother’s relationships with those in her life, including her infant, her partner, her family, her partner’s family, and her friends, as these are often affected by role changes (e.g., going from working full-time to becoming a first-time mother).
Additionally, certain antidepressants like SSRIs can be safely used while breastfeeding to manage symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, many doctors hesitate to prescribe them or prescribe lower than normal doses. Mothers themselves may avoid medication out of concern for side effects, like weight gain or feeling mentally foggy. They may worry about passing medication to their baby through breast milk. These concerns sometimes prevent women from accessing treatment that could help.
Other treatments include in-person or virtual support groups with other postpartum women, inpatient care for severe cases in which a mother’s safety or her ability to care for her baby is at risk, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in severe or treatment-resistant cases.
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive brain stimulation therapy that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Unlike other treatments, TMS doesn’t require anesthesia, medications, or recovery time.
TMS has been FDA-approved for major depressive disorder (MDD) and is now being studied as a potential treatment for postpartum depression. It’s already proving to be a promising alternative for women who are hesitant about medications or haven’t had success with traditional treatments.
How Does TMS Work for Postpartum Depression?
Researchers believe that when treating depression, repetitive TMS (rTMS) retrains brain circuits that aren’t working as they should. The stimulation encourages neurons to fire more regularly, strengthening connections and supporting healthier brain activity.
Studies also suggest that rTMS may boost the brain’s ability to adapt and form new pathways, also known as synaptic plasticity. Meanwhile, the brain becomes more flexible and balance is restored in the networks disrupted by postpartum depression.
Benefits of TMS Therapy for Depression After Pregnancy
One of the main advantages of TMS is that it’s non-invasive and drug-free. This is especially desirable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding as TMS directly targets the brain without affecting the whole body.
TMS is also considered safe, with most women tolerating it well and at most, only experiencing minimal side effects that are mild and temporary. The most common include headache and scalp discomfort where the coil is placed. Both resolve shortly after a session and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
Evidence on TMS and Postpartum Depression
Clinical studies continue to show encouraging results for TMS in women with postpartum depression. For example:
- In one study, TMS was safe and well-tolerated, and participants saw improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms.
- Another found that rTMS not only reduced depression but also boosted cognitive performance, which can be affected after pregnancy.
- In a smaller study of 6 women, 4 achieved remission, and the benefits lasted up to 6 months. There were no negative effects on breastfeeding or cognitive function.
Reclaim Your Mental Health After Pregnancy
Recovering from postpartum depression requires care that’s safe and attuned to what mothers need. At Cura Behavioral Health, we specialize in combining advanced options like TMS with psychotherapy and medication management, so that you have access to the best tools available for recovery.
When you work with us, you can expect a team that listens closely and makes sure you feel cared for throughout the process. Contact us today to learn more about our postpartum depression treatments and how we can support you as you adapt to your role as a mom.
Sources:
- Statistics on Postpartum Depression – Postpartum Depression
- The Truth About Sleep Deprivation in Motherhood: What It Really Does to Your Body and Mind – Postpartum Care USA
- A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment for Women with Postpartum Depression – Psychiatry International
- Suffering in silence: Accessing mental health care and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for peripartum depression – A qualitative study – PLOS
- Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of postpartum depression – Journal of Affective Disorders
- Effects of rTMS in Postpartum Depression: A Meta-Analysis – The Journal for Nurse Practitioners
- Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of postpartum depression – Journal of Affective Disorders
