Perinatal &
Postpartum Psychiatry
Evidence-based psychiatric care during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Deep expertise in medication safety while breastfeeding — specific answers, not vague reassurances — combined with compassionate, non-judgmental care.
Postpartum psychiatric illness is real, serious, and medical. It is not weakness. It is not bad mothering. You deserve expert treatment and support.
— Dr. Gabriella Farkas, MD, PhDPerinatal conditions that
require specialist care
These conditions are more common than most people realize — and more treatable than most people believe. The right expertise makes all the difference.
You shouldn't have to choose
between nursing and feeling well
One of the most common reasons postpartum women avoid psychiatric medication is fear about breastfeeding safety. Most psychiatrists give vague reassurances. Dr. Farkas gives specific, evidence-based answers — because she has deep expertise in this exact area.
See also: Postpartum Support International ↗
You don't have to
figure this out alone
Getting a perinatal psychiatric evaluation is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your baby. Untreated postpartum psychiatric illness affects maternal-infant bonding, infant development, and your long-term mental health.
Telehealth appointments are ideal for new mothers — no need to arrange childcare, no travel. You can have your appointment from home with your baby nearby.
You deserve to feel like
yourself again — and your baby deserves that too.
Compassionate, expert perinatal psychiatric care. New patients welcome.
Perinatal and postpartum psychiatry addresses mood, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions during pregnancy and the postpartum year. Care emphasizes evidence-based risk-benefit analysis, coordination with obstetrics, and use of resources like MotherToBaby and LactMed. Dr. Farkas treats untreated maternal illness as a substantial risk to both mother and infant.
Key Takeaways
- Perinatal psychiatry treats mood, anxiety, and other conditions during pregnancy and the first postpartum year.
- Untreated maternal illness carries real risk for both mother and baby, so it's weighed against medication risk.
- Many antidepressants have substantial pregnancy safety data, and most SSRIs pass into breast milk only minimally.
- Brexanolone and zuranolone are FDA-approved specifically for postpartum depression.
- Decisions are made in coordination with obstetrics, using resources such as MotherToBaby and LactMed.
↑ Psychiatric services overview
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take antidepressants during pregnancy?
Many antidepressants have accumulated substantial safety data. Sertraline is often preferred based on the risk-benefit profile. Untreated maternal depression carries its own significant risks. Decisions are made in coordination with obstetrics and current teratology data.
What about breastfeeding?
Most SSRIs — particularly sertraline — transfer minimally into breast milk. ACOG considers most SSRIs compatible with breastfeeding. LactMed provides current transfer data. Untreated postpartum illness affects the infant more than most medications.
What are brexanolone and zuranolone?
FDA-approved medications specifically for postpartum depression. Brexanolone is a 60-hour IV infusion; zuranolone is a 14-day oral course. Both offer rapid onset.
Related pages
Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). Text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you are in immediate danger.