Postpartum Adjustment

Almost 80 percent of new mothers go through the “baby blues,” and one in eight women experience significant symptoms of depression after giving birth. The Beaumont Children’s Hospital Parenting Program partners with The Tree of Hope Foundation to create a safe and supportive environment for families struggling with postpartum adjustment.

Beaumont Children's Hospital's award-winning Parenting Program provides postpartum adjustment support and education to new parents through experienced parent volunteers. The goal is to strengthen and support families, because the complexities of postpartum issues are real, common and treatable. New parents can count on accurate information, current resources and continuing support for as long as necessary.

Is it the "baby blues"?

Between 70 and 80 percent of new moms experience mood swings, tearfulness, lack of concentration, irritability and anxiety. These feelings are caused by a major lifestyle change and by ups and downs in hormone levels. Sometimes called the "baby blues," these postpartum symptoms are common and usually disappear in about three weeks.

For 10 to 20 percent of moms, though, the anxiety deepens into depression with mild to severe symptoms. Postpartum depression is a real illness that responds well to treatment. Your doctor can help you find a local support group, like the Parenting Program. The sooner treatment begins, the sooner a mother will start feeling better.

Even rarer, a new mom starts seeing things or hearing voices that are not there. Thoughts of harming self, the baby or others may intrude. This is called postpartum psychosis and is a medical emergency. Immediately contact a health care worker, go to an emergency center, or call 911.

Find Caring Support for Postpartum Adjustment

Postpartum Adjustment Support holds weekly groups where new parents can meet with other parents and a specially trained counselor. Becoming a new parent can feel overwhelming, but no one needs to carry on alone.

Download a copy of our Postpartum Adjustment Resource Directory.

Parenting Program

NICU Parenting Program

Volunteering for the Parenting Program

After-hours support from a Mother/Baby Care nurse is available at:

Royal Oak            248-898-6396

Troy                    248-964-3995

Grosse Pointe       313-473-1705