Recognizing and Responding to Postpartum Depression: A Practical Guide for Utah Birth Workers

As birth workers—whether midwives, doulas, lactation consultants, or postpartum educators—we are often among the first to notice when a new parent is struggling. We visit families in their most vulnerable moments, sometimes even before their closest friends or relatives do. That unique access is both a privilege and a responsibility, especially when it comes to identifying postpartum depression (PPD) and other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs).

In Utah, where support services vary by region, your ability to recognize and respond to postpartum depression can make a profound difference in a family’s trajectory. This article offers guidance on recognizing symptoms, having supportive conversations, and referring families to appropriate resources in Salt Lake, Utah, and Summit counties.

Understanding Postpartum Mood Disorders

Postpartum depression is just one condition in the spectrum of PMADs, which include:

• Postpartum depression (PPD)

• Postpartum anxiety (PPA)

• Postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (PPOCD)

• Postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PPTSD)

• Postpartum psychosis (PPP) – a psychiatric emergency affecting ~0.1–0.2% of postpartum women

These disorders affect up to 20% of women during the perinatal period and are more common than gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. They can affect first-time parents or those with previous children, and they don’t discriminate by socioeconomic status, race, or level of prenatal preparation.

Case Example: The Quiet Withdrawer

Emily, a 32-year-old first-time mother in Salt Lake City, seemed “fine” at her two-week postpartum check-in. She smiled for photos and told her doula that everything was “okay.” But her partner later confided that Emily hadn’t left the house in ten days, cried quietly in the bathroom every night, and hadn’t seemed interested in holding their baby unless prompted. The doula recognized these as warning signs of PPD and helped connect the family to a maternal mental health therapist.

Distinguishing “Baby Blues” from PPD

Nearly 80% of new mothers experience the “baby blues,” which can include irritability, crying spells, and mood swings. These typically start 2–3 days after birth and resolve within two weeks. PPD, by contrast, persists and often worsens over time.

Key signs of postpartum depression include:

• Persistent sadness, tearfulness, or emotional numbness

• Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness

• Trouble bonding with the baby

• Withdrawal from social contact

• Trouble sleeping (even when baby is asleep) or oversleeping

• Appetite changes

• Frequent worrying or panic attacks

• Thoughts of harming self or baby (these require immediate attention)

Many parents experiencing PPD will hide symptoms or dismiss them as “normal exhaustion.” That’s where your listening skills, gentle persistence, and attunement to subtle red flags become essential.

How Birth Workers Can Help

1. Observe with Intention

Pay attention not just to what a parent says, but how they say it. Do they seem disconnected, flat, overly anxious, or resistant to help? Are they brushing off concerns with sarcasm or laughter? These can be signs of distress.

Case Example: The Overcompensator

Jessica, a 28-year-old mother in Utah County, hosted a spotless home visit just 5 days after a difficult birth. Her doula noticed Jessica obsessively checking her baby’s breathing and cleaning the kitchen repeatedly during their visit. Though Jessica insisted she was “doing great,” her eyes darted constantly, and she seemed unable to sit still. Her doula gently asked if Jessica felt anxious or was having trouble resting. Jessica broke down crying, admitting she hadn’t slept more than 2 hours since coming home. A referral was made to a postpartum therapist specializing in anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

2. Ask Direct Questions Compassionately

Try asking:

“Many new moms experience a lot of emotional ups and downs. How have you been feeling emotionally—really?”

“Do you ever feel overwhelmed, numb, or disconnected from your baby?”

“Have you had any thoughts that scare you, or that you feel uncomfortable talking about?”

Let them know these feelings are not uncommon and not their fault. You can reassure them:

“It’s brave to talk about this. Many parents feel the way you’re describing, and there are people who can help. You’re not alone.”

3. Know When—and Where—to Refer

You are not expected to diagnose—but you can and should refer. Offer warm handoffs when possible (e.g., helping them call the provider, sending a text on their behalf, following up to check if they connected).

Let them know that treatment doesn’t always mean medication—there are therapists, support groups, and holistic options available. But if medications are needed, it’s okay. Feeling better is the priority.

4. Support the Support System

If there’s a co-parent, partner, or family member involved, help them understand what postpartum depression is, how they can help, and what not to say. Educating support systems can prevent further isolation or shame.

Local Resources for Families in Utah

Here’s a region-specific list of postpartum mental health resources. Consider printing or saving this to share with clients:

Statewide

Postpartum Support International – Utah Chapter
Peer support, provider lists, online support groups
📞 Call or text “Help” to 1-800-944-4773
🌐 www.postpartum.net/Utah

The Healing Group (Salt Lake City, virtual available)
Therapy for maternal mental health
🌐 www.thehealinggroup.com

Salt Lake County

University of Utah Maternal Mental Health Clinic
Therapy and medication management
📞 (801) 585-1565
🌐 healthcare.utah.edu

Valley Behavioral Health – Women’s Services
Outpatient and trauma-informed services
📞 (801) 263-7100
🌐 valleycares.com

Utah County

Wasatch Behavioral Health – Vantage Point Program
For pregnant and postpartum women
📞 (801) 373-4760
🌐 wasatch.org

Reflections Recovery Center
Includes postpartum mental health support
📞 (801) 784-9455
🌐 reflectionsrecoveryutah.com

Self-Care for Birth Workers

Caring deeply for others can take a toll. Birth workers also experience secondary trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout—especially when navigating emotionally intense situations like postpartum depression. If you find yourself overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure how to help, reach out to peers or mental health professionals for debriefing and support.

Case Example: The Burnt-Out Doula

Maria, a postpartum doula in Park City, realized she was crying in her car after each client visit. She felt helpless watching mothers suffer and frustrated when families didn’t follow through with mental health referrals. With the encouragement of a colleague, Maria joined a peer support group for perinatal professionals and started therapy for herself. This step not only helped her restore her own well-being—it reignited her ability to hold space for others with greater resilience.

Final Thoughts

You are more than just a witness—you are a vital thread in the safety net that surrounds new mothers and birthing people. When you listen closely, speak gently, and guide with knowledge and care, you may change the course of a family’s life.

Postpartum depression is common, treatable, and not a moral failing. With your help, more women in Utah can get the support they need to not just survive the postpartum period—but begin to thrive.