Feeling off? The changes you experience during pregnancy and after delivery can cause feelings of sadness, loneliness and loss of identity. Hormones take time to regulate after childbirth, and your well-being is just as important as baby’s. Postpartum mood disorders affect up to twenty percent of new mothers.

Join a support group

You are not alone. Connect with others on the postpartum journey by joining any of our support groups. Everyone is welcome, whether or not you delivered at a Sharp hospital. 

• Virtual Postpartum Support Group
  Tuesdays, 9:30 to 11 am
  Thursdays, 2:30 to 3:30 pm
• Virtual New Parent Support Group
  Thursdays, 1:30 to 2:30 pm

Find a therapist

Talking to a mental health professional can help you manage your stress, anxiety, depression and other interpersonal issues that are making it hard to cope right now. There are several ways to find the right therapist for you.

• Call the number on the back of your health insurance card and request a list of in-network behavioral health providers
• Visit your health plan’s website and search for behavioral health providers covered by your plan
• Visit Postpartum Health Alliance and search for providers by zip code or insurance accepted (e.g., Blue Shield, Cigna, etc.)

Sharp Health Plan members:

Contact the following in-network provider groups or find a provider online.

• Psychiatric Centers at San Diego (PCSD) 
• LifeStance Health 
• Fusion Care Group 
• Psychiatric Alternatives & Wellness Center 
• Within Sight 
• Novell & Novell Counseling Services 

Sharp Rees-Stealy patients:

If you are struggling to get help or feel like you need additional support accessing resources, ask your doctor about speaking with a Sharp Rees-Stealy social worker. Our master-trained social workers can provide valuable guidance in your postpartum journey.

Postpartum mental health resources

• Depression during and after pregnancy flyer
• Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders brochure
• Sharp Rees-Stealy perinatal mood and anxiety disorders flyer

Physical healing is an important part of recovery after childbirth. Learn what to expect and how to safely recover after a vaginal birth or cesarean delivery.

If you are experiencing high blood pressure or other heart-related complications after pregnancy, the Sharp Grossmont Hospital Postpartum Heart Health Clinic can provide the specialized care you need. For more information, call the clinic at 619-740-4470.

Exercise

Part of recovery is becoming active again, which is generally 4 to 6 weeks after delivery. Please consult your doctor before doing any exercises. 

• Restore Your Core Pilates Video
• Pelvic Floor Wellness Class

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Physical therapy has been shown to be effective for a range of pelvic health conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome; pelvic, vaginal or rectal pain; urinary urge incontinence or stress incontinence (leaking when you sneeze or cough); bladder urgency or bladder frequency; pain after childbirth or during intercourse; endometriosis; and sacroiliac or tailbone pain.

Our therapists are specially trained in pelvic floor dysfunction, including techniques like pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises, muscle biofeedback and postural reeducation, which can help minimize symptoms.

To learn more, call the Sharp Memorial Rehabilitation Center at 858-939-6966. For Sharp Chula Vista Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, call 619-591-7900. For Sharp Grossmont Brier Patch Outpatient Rehabilitation, call 619-740-4600. For the Sewall Healthy Living Center at Sharp Coronado, please call 619-522-3729.

If breastfeeding is part of your journey and you need gentle guidance, join our breastfeeding support groups hosted by certified lactation educators.

Virtual Breastfeeding Support Group

• Mondays, 1 to 2:30 pm
• Tuesdays, 2:30 to 3:30 pm
• Thursdays, 9 to 10:30 am

In-Person Breastfeeding Support Group

• Mondays, 1 to 3:30 pm
• Tuesdays, 1 to 3 pm
• Thursdays, 9 to 11:30 am
• Fridays, 1 to 3 pm

For in-person breastfeeding support at your convenience, stop by the New Beginnings Boutique & Gift Shop located on the first floor of Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns.

Open 7 days a week to anyone in the community, the boutique is staffed by lactation educators waiting to answer your breastfeeding questions and provide guidance in real time, including measuring baby’s weight after feeding. Pump rentals are available, as well as the option to make outpatient lactation consultant appointments for more in-depth needs.

We’re here to help to smooth your transition to parenthood with helpful resources and expert advice.

• How to care for mom and baby after childbirth
  Learn the best ways to care for both mom and baby when they return home from the hospital.
• Planning ahead for life at home with a newborn
  Download our flyer and get tips for establishing a support plan once baby comes home.
• Baby care classes and support groups
  Our classes and support groups help you manage your baby’s care and strengthen your new role as a parent. 
• Birth certificate information
  Learn how to register your child’s birth, request a Social Security number, obtain a birth certificate and more.
• Child car seat safety
  There is nothing more thrilling than taking your baby home from the hospital for the very first time. Here are some tips to ensure it’s a safe trip.
• Immunization schedule for infants and young children
  It’s important that infants receive their recommended vaccinations on time. Check out our immunization schedule for a detailed timeline.