UnityPoint Health - Des Moines Counseling Centers

at Lakeview Medical Park

6000 University Avenue, Suite 200

West Des Moines, IA 50266

p: (515) 241-2300

Postpartum Depression

Many mothers, during pregnancy and after childbirth, experience sadness, fear, anxiety and difficulty making decisions.  Some struggle to care for themselves, their infant and their family.  Many cannot sleep well and have very little energy.  Women need to know that they are not alone!  They need to learn what is mild, moderate and severe and how postpartum depression (PPD) can have serious consequences for the mother, her infant and other family members. 

About one in eight women suffers from PPD (National Institutes of Health).  It can affect any woman regardless of age, race, income, culture or education.  It affects women who breastfeed and those who do not.   It generally begins within three months of delivery but can on-set at any time even as late as one year after delivery.  It affects women with healthy babies and those with ill babies.  It affects women who are married and those who are not. 

Assessment & Treatment

Your doctor can help you determine if you are struggling with PPD.  They will ask you questions and may give you a brief assessment questionnaire to help determine your condition.  If it is determined that you are at risk for PPD; then the doctor will make a referral to a behavioral health provider for a more thorough assessment and to begin treatment.  You may also seek counseling on your own without a referral.  If you or loved ones believe you may be at risk; then you may contact UnityPoint Health - Des Moines Counseling & Psychiatry to schedule your own appointment. 

Treatment for PPD at UnityPoint Health - Des Moines Counseling & Psychiatry will include an individual psychosocial assessment with a diagnosis and recommendation for treatment that might include individual, couple, family or group therapy.  In addition, each of these therapy options will include education about PPD with resources.  Counseling alone is often sufficient to help resolve PPD symptoms and help return mothers to their regular functioning.  If counseling is not sufficient; then referrals for psychotropic medication will be made to Megan Berryhill, ARNP, PMHNP, allowing case consultation for achieving optimal outcomes for each woman served.

To Schedule an Appointment

To schedule an appointment with our PPD specialist, Donna Richard-Langer, LISW or any of our providers you simply call UnityPoint Health - Des Moines Counseling & Psychiatry at 515-241-2300.  Our schedulers will help you with your insurance information and any other initial questions you may have.  Our clinic hours are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday.