Postpartum Depression After Birth and Choosing OB/GYN Surgeon Dr. Andrew Krinsky

Feeling sad, overwhelmed, or not yourself after having a baby is more common than most people realize. The first two weeks often bring the baby blues, short waves of tears, and mood swings that lift on their own. When feelings are stronger and stick around, it may be postpartum depression. This guide focuses on Postpartum Depression in women after they have their baby, and choosing a well-trained OB/GYN surgeon, Dr. Andrew Krinsky.

Here is the key point. PPD is a medical condition, not a personal failure. It is treatable, and early care protects both mom and baby. You will find clear steps, expert guidance, and local resources. If you live in Broward, Palm Beach, or North Dade, this is for mothers, partners, and caregivers who want answers now. Dr. Andrew Krinsky is nearby, board-certified, and known for a patient-first approach. With the right team and plan, recovery is possible.

PPD vs. baby blues: symptoms, timing, and when to get help

Baby blues usually show up within a few days of birth. You may feel weepy, irritable, or overwhelmed, then better by day 14. Sleep, food, and support go a long way.

Postpartum depression is different. The sadness, worry, or fear is stronger, and it lasts longer. It can start in pregnancy or up to one year after birth. About 1 in 7 mothers is affected. This is common, and it has many causes, from hormones and sleep loss to stress and health issues.

Symptom checklist:

  • Persistent sadness, worry, or panic
  • Loss of interest or joy, trouble bonding with the baby
  • Sleep problems beyond newborn needs, fatigue that feels crushing
  • Anger, guilt, or feeling like a bad mom
  • Difficulty concentrating, hopelessness, racing thoughts
  • Thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby

Risk factors:

  • Past depression or anxiety, or a family history
  • Difficult pregnancy or delivery, NICU stay, ongoing pain, feeding problems
  • Thyroid issues, anemia, major hormone shifts
  • Low support, money, or housing stress, relationship strain

Urgent help:

  • If there are thoughts of self-harm, harming the baby, or signs of psychosis (hearing or seeing things that are not there, confusion), call 911 or 988, or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

PPD is treatable. Early care shortens recovery and supports healthy bonding.

Common signs you should not ignore

  • Feeling down or on edge most of the day
  • Anxiety that does not ease with reassurance
  • Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
  • Not sleeping even when the baby sleeps, or sleeping all the time
  • Feeling worthless, guilty, or like a bad mom
  • Trouble focusing or making simple choices
  • Pulling away from friends and family
  • Scary thoughts or images you cannot shake

Try a quick daily mood rating from 1 to 10 or write a line or two in a journal. Partners can watch for changes in sleep, appetite, energy, and interest. Symptoms can come in waves. If they persist for most days for 2 weeks or more, it is time to talk with an OB/GYN.

How long can postpartum depression last?

Without treatment, PPD can last many months. It can slow bonding and may affect milk supply by raising stress and hurting sleep. With care, many moms notice improvement within a few weeks. Most continue to get better over 3 to 6 months. Keep follow-ups for a whole year postpartum, since symptoms can shift with weaning, returning to work, or new stress.

When to call right now

Red flags include:

  • Suicidal thoughts or a plan
  • Thoughts of harming the baby
  • Hallucinations, extreme confusion, or paranoia
  • Sudden behavior changes, agitation, or disorientation

Immediate actions:

  • Call 911, contact 988, or go to the ER
  • Partners should stay with mom and remove access to harmful items until help arrives

Treatment that works for how OB/GYNs diagnose and manage PPD

A skilled OB/GYN can lead your care, coordinate a team, and closely follow you. The plan is private, practical, and tailored to your life.

Diagnosis and screening:

  • Short tools like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at hospital discharge, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and later visits
  • Screening for anxiety and OCD symptoms
  • Labs, if needed, to check thyroid function and anemia
  • Review of sleep debt, pain, and feeding patterns

Care options:

  • Therapy: cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy are first-line and effective
  • Medicine: SSRIs can be safe in breastfeeding, with shared decisions about risks and benefits; benefits often appear in 2 to 4 weeks
  • Newer treatments for severe or urgent cases can be considered with specialists

Whole-person supports:

  • A sleep plan with short daytime rests, and help with night feeds if possible
  • Gentle movement, daylight, hydration, and balanced meals
  • Lactation support to ease pain and reduce stress
  • Clear partner and family roles, simple tasks they can take on

Follow-up:

  • Weekly check-ins at first, then monthly as symptoms improve
  • A safety plan if symptoms worsen
  • Referral to therapy and local support groups

Screening and diagnosis, you can expect

At your visit, expect a kind, private talk about mood, sleep, and stress. You will complete a brief screening tool, then review your birth history, medicines, feeding plan, and support system. Your doctor may order basic labs to rule out thyroid issues or anemia. Bring a partner or friend if you can. Share any past mental health history, even if it feels small.

Therapy, medication, and natural supports

  • Therapy helps you challenge unhelpful thoughts and strengthen support
  • Medicine can reset brain chemistry and reduce severe symptoms
  • Therapy and medicine often work best together for moderate to severe PPD
  • Never stop taking medicine suddenly without medical advice

Simple stress skills:

  • Box breathing: inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4, repeat for 2 minutes
  • Ten-minute walks outside for light and movement
  • Schedule one small joy daily, like a shower, music, or a short call with a friend

At-home steps for faster relief

  • Set a sleep window and protect it, even if broken into shifts
  • Accept help with meals, laundry, and night feeds
  • Prep easy meals and snacks you can eat one-handed
  • Try skin-to-skin time if it feels calming
  • Limit social media and doomscrolling
  • Get daily sunlight, even for 10 minutes
  • Ask for a lactation consult if feeding hurts
  • Set a 2-minute daily check-in with your partner

When symptoms do not improve

If you do not notice any change in 2 to 4 weeks, update the plan with your OB/GYN. Options include changing the dose of the current medicine, adding a new medicine, increasing the frequency of therapy, or adding a specialist. If safety is a concern, a higher level of care may be needed.

Choosing a well-trained OB/GYN in West Palm Beach serves North Dade, Broward, & Palm Beach Counties.:

Why Dr. Andrew Krinsky stands out

This guide covers postpartum depression in women after they have their baby, and choosing a well-trained OB/GYN surgeon, Dr. Andrew Krinsky.

Dr. Krinsky is a board-certified OB-GYN surgeon with over 30 years of experience. He studied at Tufts University and the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. He completed his OB-GYN Residency and Chief Residency at Yale University in New Haven, CT.
He offers compassionate, no-rush visits, full PPD screening, and clear care plans. He coordinates with therapists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, and lactation experts.

 

Scheduling is available Monday through Sunday.

Dr. Andrew Krinsky|
Contact: Phone (954) 980-6337,
Email akrinsky1201@gmail.com,
monalisatouchbrowardfortlauderdale.com.

He serves North Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.

Explore the Background of Board-Certified OB/GYN Dr. Krinsky to learn more about his training and approach.

Credentials and training you can trust

  • Board-certified OB-GYN
  • Tufts and Mount Sinai education, Yale resident, and Chief Resident
  • Over 30 years caring for women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum

Deep surgical and clinical experience means skilled, timely decisions. That experience supports safer care when symptoms are complex or severe.

A postpartum care approach centered on you.

Visits feel warm, respectful, and thorough. Mood screening is routine. You get clear explanations and shared decisions. Follow-ups can be by phone or in person when possible. Partners are welcome. Privacy is respected.

Women’s health services, including MonaLisa Touch

Postpartum vaginal dryness or pain can affect comfort, intimacy, and mood, especially while breastfeeding. MonaLisa Touch is a non-invasive option offered by Dr. Krinsky for vaginal atrophy. PPD treatment and pelvic health often go together. Learn how gentle care supports recovery with GWomen’s Invasive Women’s Care in West Palm Beach.

You can also review how to find a safe clinic for intimate concerns with this guide to a Trusted Vaginal Rejuvenation Clinic in South Florida.

How to schedule with Dr. Krinsky

Call (954) 980-6337 or email akrinsky1201@gmail.com.

Appointments are available Monday through Sunday.

If symptoms have lasted more than 2 weeks or worry feels out of control, ask for a prompt screening visit.

Your next steps: questions to ask, how to prepare, and support for your family

What to bring:

  • A list of symptoms, when they started, and what helps or worsens them
  • Current medicines and supplements
  • Birth details and your feeding plan
  • Names of people who can help with rides or child care

How to prepare:

  • Book a visit within the next week if symptoms persist
  • Arrange childcare for your appointment
  • Set one clear goal for the visit, such as better sleep or less panic

Partner and family role:

  • Share night duties and protect blocks of sleep
  • Offer daily reassurance and practical help
  • Watch for safety red flags and speak up early

Local and national resources:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  • Postpartum Support International helpline and support groups
  • Hospital or county programs for new parents

Close with hope. With the right plan and a caring OB/GYN, most moms recover and feel like themselves again.

Smart questions to ask your OB/GYN

  • How will we track my progress week to week?
  • Which therapy fits my symptoms and schedule?
  • Are these medicines safe if I am breastfeeding?
  • What side effects should I watch for, and what can I do if they occur?
  • How long until I might feel better?
  • How often will we follow up at first?
  • Who can I call if I worsen between visits?
  • Can we involve my partner in planning and safety steps?
  • Will you check for thyroid issues and anemia?
  • What local support groups do you recommend?

A simple checklist for the first two weeks of care

  • Schedule an OB/GYN visit
  • Complete a PPD screening tool
  • Start a therapy referral
  • Discuss medicine options if symptoms are moderate or severe
  • Set a sleep plan with partner support
  • Ask for lactation help if feeding hurts
  • Give your partner three daily tasks to own
  • Set the next follow-up date
  • Post crisis numbers, 911 and 988, in your home

Conclusion

PPD is common, real, and treatable. Early care protects you and your baby. Take one step today and reach out for support.

If you are in South Florida,

Contact Dr. Andrew Krinsky for kind, expert postpartum care:
Phone (954) 980-6337
Email akrinsky1201@gmail.com.

For any safety concern, call 911 or 988 right away. You are not alone, and you can feel like yourself again.