Postpartum Depression Resource Guide

Finding sensitive mental health care that is respectful of breastfeeding is important for a mom suffering from PPD. Weaning is rarely necessary, even if medications are. Following are links, information, and local resources.

• Information on Antidepressant Usage During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding and Non-Drug Treatment from Infant Risk Center

• Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett’s Handouts for Depression in New Mothers

• Depression links from Breastfeeding Made Simple’s website by Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC, FILCA, and Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• The Hidden Feelings of Motherhood: Coping with Stress, Depression, and Burnout by Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett (book)

• Traumatic Birth:
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder After Traumatic Childbirth (website)
  • Making Peace With Your Birth Experience (handout)
  • Healing the Trauma: Entering Motherhood with Posttramautic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from Midwifery Today
  • ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network – Illinois Chapters 

• Nighttime Breastfeeding and Maternal Mental Health (from Lamaze International’s Science and Sensibility Blog)

• Tips for Getting More Sleep & Protecting Your Milks Supply During PPD (from Postpartum Progress Blog)

• Weaning and the Blues (Breastfeed Chicago blog post – 1/19/2014)

• 10% of women will experience a postpartum thyroid disorder, which may manifest as a mood disorder.  It may be worthwhile to discuss a thyroid screening with your doctor, especially if you have a family history of thyroid disorder.

• Dr. Sarah Allen’s blog has helpful posts on pregnancy and postpartum depresssion https://drsarahallen.com/category/pregnancy-and-postpartum/ and also a free booklet called Guide To Pregnancy & Postpartum Stress, Anxiety & Depression that can be downloaded from https://drsarahallen.com/pregnancy-postpartum-guide/.

 Local PPD Referrals, Programs, and Hotlines

Email us for additions and updates: [email protected]  There is no charge for this listing.  

• We maintain a directory of breastfeeding-friendly therapists and providers area moms have suggested. However, there are several Chicago-area mental healthcare providers that have specific expertise working with breastfeeding women:  Peggy Healy, LCSW, (former IBCLC), Joy Davy, MS, LCPC, NCC (retired, LLLL), Jen Underwood, LCSW and Sarah Cline, LCSW, and Dr. Erika Knuth.  Local psychologists and Dr. Mirjam Quinn and Dr. Sarah Allen have also worked with Breastfeed Chicago.

• North Shore University Health Systems, MOMsline, 24hr crisis hotline 1-866-364-MOMS (6667)

• Healthcare Alternative Systems (H.A.S.) *English and Spanish* serving regardless of ability to pay; 2 locations in Chicago and also west-suburban Westchester

• The Haven Group (Individual Counseling and Support Groups)

• Postpartum Depression Alliance of Illinois – offers information about symptoms, what helps, and phone and email support for moms who are experiencing pregnancy or postpartum anxiety and/or depression.

• Perinatal Intensive Outpatient Program at the AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Hoffman Estates, IL. To register or for more information call 855-383-2224

• Loyola Hospital Postpartum Depression Program, Maywood, IL

PPD Support Groups

• PLEASE CALL PRIOR TO ATTENDANCE AT THESE EVENTS TO ENSURE CURRENT MEETING INFORMATION

• Beyond the Baby Blues
  2956 Central Street
  Evanston, IL 60201
  Wednesdays from 12:30-2pm and always includes a healthy lunch
  [email protected]
  847-864-7957

• Moms United PPD Group
  Meets the first Tuesday of every month at 11am-12pm
  Fantus Health Center, 4th floor conference room
  1901 W Harrison Chicago IL 60612
  group is free and babies up to 12 months are welcome, call 312-864-6063 to enroll

• P.A.S.T. Postpartum Adjustment Support Team
  Free support group the first and third Tuesday of the month
  10am-11am at Advocate Christ Conference Center, 9400 S. Kilbourn Rm 0614, Oak Lawn IL 60453 (entrance off Kilbourn Ave, next to Imaging Center) Free parking, Infants welcome. 708-684-1333

• Mercy Hospital’s Postpartum Depression Support Group
  Monthly PPD support group session in English and Spanish.
  The English speaking group meets on the first Thursday of every month from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
  The Spanish speaking group meets on the third Thursday of every month from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
  No fee. To register, call 312-567-5463

• Mom2MomDG (Downers Grove)
  Meeting dates:  First and third Tuesday of each month, from 10:30 am to
  12:00 pm. We also meet on the second Saturday of each month, so that spouses,
  families, or support people can join in the discussion as well. We ask that you RSVP in
  advance to ensure meeting times and dates (No walk-ins please, as the schedule may
  change).
  All groups meet at:
  First United Methodist Church
  1032 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove, 60515
  Please contact a group facilitator for more information and to RSVP:
  Sophie Bowerman (630) 745-8118
  Lara Vazquez (630) 632-8131

*** Local resource list compiled by Jennifer Adams, former Breastfeed Chicago Board Secretary, with contributions from Tricia Zillweger Kuehn, former Breastfeed Chicago Group Moderator and Elise Fulara, former Breastfeed Chicago Board Member***  Created 2014, edited 2016, 2018