While maternal mental health gets the spotlight, many new fathers quietly face postpartum depression. It’s time to recognize the signs - and offer real support.
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Ketamine Therapy for Postpartum Depression
As many as 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression after giving birth. Ketamine therapy can help, so you can focus on and enjoy your new baby.
How Ketamine Treats Postpartum Depression
A 2024 study revealed that a single low-dose injection of esketamine – a ketamine derivative – immediately after childbirth reduces the risk of postpartum depression in new mothers with prenatal depression by 75%. Other studies have also shown that ketamine could be a promising treatment for PPD.
Breastfeeding and Ketamine Therapy
Though it’s deemed unlikely that low-dose ketamine treatment affects infants of breastfeeding mothers, patients who are breastfeeding should consult with their physician before opting for ketamine therapy.
Postpartum depression can be devastating for new mothers, their babies and their families. Ketamine can offer rapid relief.
What is Postpartum Depression (PPD)?
PPD is a mood disorder that can lead to major depression and other agonizing symptoms in women. Linked to the hormonal shifts that occur in a woman’s body as the result of pregnancy and childbirth, risk factors include a history of depression and mental illness, birth trauma or childhood trauma.
Signs of postpartum depression include:
Difficulty sleeping
Mood swings
Intense feelings of sadness, anger, or worthlessness
Depression and suicidal thoughts
Trouble bonding with your baby
Withdrawing from family and friends
Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
Overwhelming tiredness or loss of energy
Restlessness
Severe anxiety and panic attacks
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
What is Postpartum Depression (PPD)?
PPD is a mood disorder that can lead to major depression and other agonizing symptoms in women. Linked to the hormonal shifts that occur in a woman’s body as the result of pregnancy and childbirth, risk factors include a history of depression and mental illness, birth trauma or childhood trauma.
Signs of postpartum depression include:
- Mood swings
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
- Trouble bonding with your baby
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Restlessness
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
How Is Postpartum Depression Treated?
Typically, a combination of psychotherapy, social support, and antidepressant medications helps ease difficult symptoms like extreme sadness and hopelessness.
In cases of severe PPD, mothers may not respond to conventional treatment. They may struggle to bond with their baby or be unable to experience real joy. In these cases, ketamine may be an option.
The Treatment Process
Schedule a Free Consultation
The first step in our treatment process is a consultation! We’ll take time to understand your personal struggle and determine if ketamine might be a good option.
Begin Treatment
From the moment you step into our clinic, you’ll be welcomed with a friendly smile and a calm environment. After a quick physical exam to confirm your readiness for treatment, our staff will ensure you’re completely comfortable and at ease as we prepare to begin.
During Treatment
Settle into a cozy reclining chair in a private room. You’ll receive an eye mask, noise-canceling headphones, and playlists for you to select music. The treatment lasts 45 minutes (IV ketamine) or 2 hours (Spravato nasal spray). A physician and nurse are on site to monitor each session.
Regular Sessions
The induction period lasts 3-4 weeks and includes 6-8 sessions. After this, we’ll work together with you and your mental health providers to create a customized maintenance plan just for you.
Rapid Relief for Postpartum Depression
Feel better in just hours to days.
2-4 hours
until most IV ketamine patients report an improvement in their symptoms.
75%
Reduced risk of major depressive episodes with a single low dose of esketamine after childbirth, according to a clinical study.
6.7%
Mothers in the esketamine group experienced major depressive episodes after 42 days, while 25.4% did in the placebo group (in a clinical study).
What Our Patients Say
“Dr. Cheryl Malina and her staff are kind and compassionate. They truly make sure you are comfortable and feeling good before and after your treatment.”
– Caroline A.
“Dr. Malina and the staff make the experience so calming and enjoyable. The treatment is wonderful and I highly recommend it to anyone who is struggling.”
– Meagen P.
“Caring and supportive doctors and nurses.”
– Brooke L.
Research
Below are several studies about the effectiveness of ketamine in treating postpartum depression.
FAQs
Is ketamine therapy safe?
Yes, when administered under medical supervision by trained physicians, ketamine therapy is safe. At KETA Medical, our team is led by emergency medicine physicians with extensive training, ensuring that every treatment adheres to the highest standards of medical safety.
What are the potential side effects of ketamine therapy?
Side effects may include mild nausea, dizziness, feelings of dissociation, anxiety or increased blood pressure. These typically resolve shortly after the treatment session. Our medical team monitors patients closely to manage any side effects effectively.
Is ketamine treatment covered by insurance?
Esketamine (Spravato) Nasal Spray is covered by most insurance plans. IV ketamine infusions are not typically covered.
Stay Updated
Postpartum depression affects 1 in 7 mothers, yet most never receive effective care - learn how ketamine therapy offers fast, science-backed relief when traditional treatments fall short.
Unlock the full power of ketamine therapy.
