What to do when you think you have postpartum depression & your doctors away?
May 1st, 2010 | 
Author: I seriously think I have postpartum depression and it’s getting really worse. It’s getting to the point where I’m scared because a couple years ago I had a problem with drugs and alcohol to cope with my stress and depression so I really need to talk to doctor about it but my doctor is away this week and some of next week. I’m finding it extremely hard to cope and don’t know what to do! What can I do? Is there anyone else I can get help from?
ANY doctor can help you, not just your ob/gyn. You could call the OB’s office and tell the nurse what is going on. My doctor had a standing order that any woman that called and said she thought she had PPD was to be prescribed a certain medication starting at a certain dosage, so if he was out of the office, it was still handled. Usually any time a doctor goes out of town or takes time off has another doctor on call for them, so you may be able to call and who ever is on call for your doctor could handle it.
If that does not work then go to acute care, the ER, a general physician, anyone. Get help now. Don’t wait.
Posted in postpartum depression
You’re in Canada? Show up at an ER, use a walk-in clinic, call the hospital you delivered at and ask them what resources exist… Does your doctor not have a nurse or answering service who can refer you?
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Local Psychologist
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ANY doctor can help you, not just your ob/gyn. You could call the OB’s office and tell the nurse what is going on. My doctor had a standing order that any woman that called and said she thought she had PPD was to be prescribed a certain medication starting at a certain dosage, so if he was out of the office, it was still handled. Usually any time a doctor goes out of town or takes time off has another doctor on call for them, so you may be able to call and who ever is on call for your doctor could handle it.
If that does not work then go to acute care, the ER, a general physician, anyone. Get help now. Don’t wait.
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I have ppd.
My daughters pediatrician is the one who handled PPD I would start their first.. they know where to go from there as well if not more than your OB since they deal with new moms and babies.
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Mom to a 12 week old little princess and wife!
Normally when a dr is away there is someone covering for him….call the office and see what they can do for you. Most drs take post-partum depression very seriously so if you tell them you think you have it they’ll probably do whatever they can to get you seen by someone.
If that doesn’t work then you may want to go to a clinic or the hospital.
Whatever you do, please don’t wait.
Good luck, I hope someone will be able to help you quickly!
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