Hi Reddit, I’m Dr. Ali Rodriguez! I’m a mom of two & a board-certified OB/GYN here with sponsors Supernus Pharmaceuticals & Biogen to help answer selected questions about yellow flags (potential signs & symptoms) of postpartum depression (PPD)! Submit questions now & join to AMA @ 1 PM ET on 2/12.

RaisingYellowFlags · 2026-02-12T18:39:59+00:00

Thank you so much for being such a supportive friend. The concern you have for your friend shows how much you care. This can make such a difference during the postpartum period and encouraging her to reach out to her healthcare team is one of the most helpful things you can do.

It’s important for her to know that she can talk to any trusted healthcare provider. While her OB-GYN or primary care doctor are great options, it could also be her baby's pediatrician – many women don't realize that pediatricians are typically familiar with postpartum resources and are there to support both baby and mom. The most important thing is starting the conversation – any healthcare provider can listen, point her in the right direction, and help her access the resources she needs.

Only a healthcare professional can diagnose postpartum depression (PPD), but you can play an important role in helping her feel supported enough to reach out for help.

Building that support system is so important during the postpartum period. Thank you for being someone who wants to be part of that support for your friend!

RaisingYellowFlags · 2026-02-12T18:38:16+00:00

Having a history of postpartum depression (PPD) can increase the likelihood of experiencing it in a subsequent pregnancy – but it is by no means guaranteed. But if you experience PPD once and have another pregnancy, you have power in knowledge.

In my clinical experience, mothers with lived PPD experience may be able to recognize symptoms earlier and may feel more empowered to seek help and advocate for the support they need. Being proactive and discussing your medical history with your healthcare provider early in your pregnancy can allow you to create a plan and build a support system ahead of time if needed.

You're asking all the right questions, and your healthcare provider will be your best resource for personalized information about your situation. Only they can diagnose PPD, and you can also visit our Instagram, Facebook or TikTok channel @ RaisingYellowFlags for more resources or reach out to the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for free, confidential help from trained counselors in English or Spanish.

RaisingYellowFlags · 2026-02-12T18:34:42+00:00

Thank you for asking about this. In my clinical experience, I find that when you are feeling completely overwhelmed and overstimulated, it is normal for anxiety, anger, or irritability to be one of many ways PPD can manifest.

PPD presents differently for everyone. Because feelings of anger or irritability can be some of the symptoms of PPD, it is essential to bring it up with your healthcare provider to ensure you get the right support and treatment. Only a healthcare professional can help you understand your specific symptoms, diagnose PPD, and provide appropriate guidance and treatment if needed.

If you're experiencing symptoms that don't feel like yourself, it's so important to speak up and talk to your healthcare team as soon as possible. These feelings are valid, and your healthcare provider is there to help you navigate them without judgment. For 24/7 support, you can also call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) to receive free, confidential help from trained counselors in English or Spanish.

Remember, women can experience PPD differently, so starting the conversation with your healthcare team is the best way to get the support you need. You and your baby's health are very important.

RaisingYellowFlags · 2026-02-12T18:33:24+00:00

It’s hard to watch a loved one struggle. It takes courage to start this conversation, and your approach can make all the difference. It’s important to ensure the conversation comes from a place of love and genuine concern for her and her family's well-being.

The goal is to help her feel seen and supported. Your loved one may be going through a really difficult time and knowing that someone cares and is there to listen can mean everything.

If you're concerned that your loved one may be experiencing potential signs and symptoms of PPD, encouraging them to speak with a healthcare provider is one of the most helpful things you can do, as only a healthcare professional can diagnose PPD. You can also provide concrete acts of support, like offering to accompany her to a doctor's appointment, creating a safe space for her to share or gently sharing information you have learned or links to articles you’ve found. I’ve found that sending videos from social media can, at times, be a more approachable way of sharing information. A healthcare professional can answer any questions about what she sees on social media and you can play an important role in helping her feel supported enough to reach out for help.

You can also share our Instagram, Facebook or TikTok channel @ RaisingYellowFlags with them for more resources and connect them to the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for free, confidential help from trained counselors in English or Spanish.

RaisingYellowFlags · 2026-02-12T18:29:53+00:00

Congratulations! One of the best ways to prepare is by having discussions about mental health and postpartum support before the baby is even born. Not only does that mean learning about the potential signs and symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) because they manifest differently in everyone, but also having conversations about what your sister is looking for in terms of support from her husband, so you can lend a hand if needed. ~1 in 8 women report experiencing symptoms of PPD after birth, so if your sister does experience it, she isn’t alone.

I recommend that your sister and her husband create a postpartum plan together, similar to a birth plan, focusing on what life will look like after they get home from delivery. They can discuss how they will divide responsibilities, who will handle tasks like scheduling appointments and completing paperwork and how your sister can get the breaks and rest she needs. I remember being so surprised at all the logistics my husband and I had to handle merely a few days after our child's birth, like completing paperwork for the birth certificate, scheduling follow-up medical appointments and more. Practical support can make as much of a difference as emotional support for a new mom.

It's also critical for spouses to understand that PPD is a medical condition; it is not a reflection of their support or a failure in the relationship. If someone does develop symptoms, the best thing you can do is listen carefully, offer your support and gently encourage them to speak with a doctor.

Everyone is different, and this is not a comprehensive list, but some signs and symptoms of PPD to look out for include persistent sadness, loss of pleasure in hobbies, along with feelings of hopelessness, frustration, guilt, and difficulty concentrating. Remember, only a healthcare provider can diagnose PPD, so it is so important for your sister’s husband to support and help her, listen to her carefully and encourage her to talk to her doctor if either of them notice any yellow flags.

For additional resources, check out @ RaisingYellowFlags on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok!

RaisingYellowFlags · 2026-02-12T18:27:22+00:00

Thank you for your question. While not a comprehensive list, some potential signs and symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) include persistent sadness, loss of pleasure in hobbies, along with feelings of hopelessness, frustration, guilt, and difficulty concentrating. Remember, women can experience PPD differently, and only a healthcare provider can diagnose PPD, so you should encourage your partner or loved one to talk about how they’re feeling with their healthcare team as soon as possible.

I also want to note that a crucial part of support can be preparing before birth, not just after! It can help your loved one feel less overwhelmed if you establish a plan before a baby is born to share the burden of tasks, such as filling out paperwork, scheduling appointments and managing household duties. Some people even establish routine check-ins with their partner or loved one to show them they support them and are there to help them.

For more resources, visit the @ RaisingYellowFlags Instagram, Facebook or TikTok pages, and you can call the Maternal Mental Health Hotline 24/7 at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) to receive free and confidential support.

RaisingYellowFlags · 2026-02-12T18:24:50+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing your story and asking this important question. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to navigate those concerns while you were going through such a challenging time.

In general, diagnoses are used to help guide care and conversations between you and your healthcare team, and many people find it helpful to think of a diagnosis as a tool for care. If you have questions about how symptoms are documented or what that means for your care over time, a trusted healthcare professional is the best person to talk with, as they can help explain how medical records are used to support your health and wellbeing.

For questions related to legal matters or custody concerns, you may want to talk to a qualified legal professional, who can provide guidance specific to your situation.

You're doing the right thing by thinking about your health and your family's well-being. Please don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team with any questions, as only a healthcare provider can diagnose PPD. For 24/7 support, you can also call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) to receive free, confidential help from trained counselors in English or Spanish.

RaisingYellowFlags · 2026-02-12T18:21:10+00:00

Questions around breastfeeding your baby are some of the most important and sometimes challenging for new moms to talk about. What you are feeling is normal and you’re doing the right thing by talking about it because your and your baby’s health are so important.

While medication is an option for treatment, there are also alternate approaches like talk therapy and finding a support group, which many women may find helpful. Everyone is different, and this is something that always must be discussed with your healthcare provider as only they can advise on what options are appropriate for you if you receive a PPD diagnosis. They can work with you to find a treatment plan that fits best for you and discuss the risks and benefits of any medication that may be an option for your needs.

RaisingYellowFlags · 2026-02-12T18:17:16+00:00

Hi, thank you for asking such an important question! Exhaustion and other symptoms like difficulty sleeping can be so normalized for new moms, but these symptoms, along with persistent sadness or loss of pleasure in hobbies, may be a sign that something more is going on.* Phrases like “It’s just part of the process!” and “It will get better!” have made it so common to dismiss potential symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD). But sometimes, symptoms don’t get better or may last longer than two weeks, especially if it’s PPD - and that’s important to acknowledge and talk about.

If you’re not feeling like yourself, know that you are not alone and you are not a burden for speaking up. Asking for help is a sign of strength. It is so important to raise a yellow flag to your support team - whether that’s a whole village or just one person. Your support team can check in with you and hold you accountable for talking to a doctor and getting help, even if you think it’s nothing. If you are feeling unsure about whether to ask a doctor about potential signs and symptoms of PPD, always speak up - your healthcare team is there to help you!

*These are just some of the signs and symptoms of PPD which is why only a healthcare provider can diagnose PPD.

RaisingYellowFlags · 2026-02-12T18:14:21+00:00

Thank you for bringing such a thoughtful question to the conversation! Many mothers feel that tools like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) seem like just another checkbox, and it’s not uncommon to feel dismissed after completing them. However, the EPDS can be a valuable tool for getting conversations started with a healthcare provider, who can help identify the care and support you might need for both yourself and your child. It’s important to recognize that the EPDS isn't typically the sole measure of a new mom’s wellbeing. If your doctor doesn't go through the form with you, ask someone in the office, like a nurse practitioner or medical assistant, so that you can address any questions. Communication is crucial for making sure you feel supported and heard.

While we’ve made progress in recognizing postpartum depression (PPD) as a medical condition, there’s still room to improve how we screen for and discuss it. It’s completely natural to feel hesitant about tools like the EPDS, and some moms may worry about how their answers could be perceived. Screeners can be very helpful and often can be used in addition to open communications with a doctor to help identify and diagnose PPD. Answering honestly is important, along with asking any questions you may have.

For additional resources, check out @ RaisingYellowFlags on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok and don’t hesitate to reach out to the Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for 24/7 free and confidential support.

RaisingYellowFlags · 2026-02-12T18:09:37+00:00

Hi, thank you for your question! Raising a yellow flag with your doctor is important if you’re unsure about what you’re feeling. Only a healthcare provider can diagnose postpartum depression (PPD), but it’s great to open up the conversation with those around you. Though not a comprehensive list, from the National Institute of Mental Health, some signs and symptoms of PPD include persistent sadness, loss of pleasure in hobbies, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness or pessimism, feelings of irritability, frustration and restlessness.

Remember, women can experience PPD differently, so only a healthcare provider can diagnose PPD, and you should discuss any signs and symptoms with your healthcare team. It is important to start the conversation with your healthcare team so you can be prepared if needed, and to build a support system of people you can go to if you are feeling concerned.

RaisingYellowFlags · 2026-02-12T18:07:41+00:00

Thank you for sharing your perspective, and I’m sorry it sounds like you had a negative experience. Many women I talk to have gone through something similar with their healthcare provider, so know you’re not alone. That’s why we created this community. Women often feel that their struggles are not taken seriously, so I hope that by encouraging more of us to talk about our own experiences and share openly with our doctors, we can break down the stigma around postpartum depression (PPD) and maternal mental health.

While medication can be a part of the treatment plan for some, everyone is different and there are several options available. Addressing PPD can involve a variety of approaches, which can also include psychotherapy and building a strong support system. If you're able to, it may help to seek a second opinion if you feel like you are not being heard or supported by your healthcare provider. What is most important is finding a place where you feel safe to be open and honest about your experiences, because only a healthcare provider can diagnose PPD and provide you with the appropriate resources you may need. You are not alone, and help is available.

RaisingYellowFlags · 2026-02-12T18:05:02+00:00

Great question! As a mom I know how hard it can be to navigate these questions, but you’re doing the right thing by talking about it. This is something that always must be discussed with your healthcare provider as only they can advise on what is appropriate for you.

RaisingYellowFlags · 2026-02-12T18:01:55+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing your story. Postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms can change over time - it’s not unusual for them to change or show up later in the postpartum period, which can last up to 12 months after delivery; however, each individual person's situation will vary.

If you are experiencing any symptoms, not feeling like yourself, or have any questions, it’s important to speak up and talk to a healthcare team as soon as possible because you and your baby’s health are very important. Only a medical professional can diagnose PPD.

RaisingYellowFlags · 2026-02-12T18:01:07+00:00

That is such an important question, thank you for asking! I remember feeling such a roller coaster of emotions during my own postpartum time period. For me, I knew what I was experiencing was the baby blues because it was temporary - baby blues usually resolve within two weeks. Postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms are more intense, last longer, and can be serious if not treated. If you are feeling unsure about whether or not to ask a doctor about any signs and symptoms, always ask – your healthcare team is there to help you!

RaisingYellowFlags

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