Postpartum Anxiety & Depression Support in Fargo, ND

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, or you feel you can't keep yourself or your baby safe, get help now:

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room · Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) · Call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). It's free, confidential, and available 24/7.

 

Bringing home a baby is supposed to be one of the happiest times of your life. So when you feel anxious, numb, tearful, overwhelmed, or not like yourself, it can be frightening and isolating. Many new parents don't speak up because they feel guilty or worry they'll be judged.

Please hear this: postpartum depression and anxiety are common, serious, and treatable. They are not a sign that you're a bad parent or that you've done anything wrong. With the right support, people do feel better.

At Fargo Naturopathic, Dr. Threasa Andrys, ND has a special focus on postpartum care. We provide compassionate, whole-person support and work closely with your OB, midwife, therapist, and psychiatric provider, so you have a team around you. Babies are warmly welcome at visits. Bring your little one; we'll make space for you both.

 

 

Symptoms We See

 

The "baby blues" (weepiness and mood swings in the first two weeks after birth) are very common and usually pass on their own. Postpartum depression and anxiety are different. They're more intense, last longer, and can begin during pregnancy or any time in the first year after birth. Signs can include:

• Persistent sadness, emptiness, or crying

• Constant worry, racing thoughts, or a sense of dread

• Intrusive, scary thoughts that you can't shake

• Feeling disconnected from your baby, partner, or yourself

• Irritability or anger

• Trouble sleeping even when the baby sleeps, or sleeping all the time

• Changes in appetite

• Panic attacks, a racing heart, or feeling on edge

• Exhaustion beyond normal newborn tiredness

• Feeling hopeless, worthless, or like your family would be better off without you

 

Rarely, some people develop postpartum psychosis, with confusion, hallucinations, severe agitation, or paranoia. This is a medical emergency. Call 911.

 

Our Whole-Person Approach

 

Postpartum mood changes have many contributors: dramatic hormone shifts after birth, sleep deprivation, physical recovery, nutrient depletion, thyroid changes, stress, past mental health history, and the very real demands of caring for a newborn. Our care looks at all of these:

• Physical contributors. We check for things that can worsen mood and energy, like postpartum thyroid changes, low iron, and other nutrient deficiencies. See thyroid care and fatigue.

• Sleep, nutrition, and recovery. Practical, realistic steps that fit life with a baby

• Hormone health. See hormone imbalance.

• Emotional support. Encouraging connection, rest, and help from your support system

• Team-based care. Therapy is one of the most effective treatments for postpartum depression and anxiety. We work with a variety of therapists and psychiatrists and will help you connect with care that fits; we don't name a single referral partner because every family's needs are different. We'll also coordinate with your OB, midwife, or psychiatric provider.

 

Your plan may include nutrition support, targeted supplements, and lifestyle strategies. When medication is appropriate, Dr. Threasa Andrys, ND can prescribe, including medications commonly used for postpartum depression and anxiety. Natural approaches can be a helpful part of care, but they aren't a substitute for therapy or medication when those are needed.

Breastfeeding safety comes first. If you're nursing or pumping, we review every supplement, herb, and medication for safety while breastfeeding, using current lactation safety references. Not every "natural" product is safe for nursing babies. Please don't start new supplements without checking.

 

Testing We May Use

 

• Thyroid panel with antibodies. Postpartum thyroiditis can cause anxiety, low mood, and fatigue.

• Iron and ferritin, vitamin D, B12, and other nutrient markers

• CBC and metabolic labs as needed

• A validated postpartum mood screening questionnaire, to help track how you're doing over time

 

Labs are ordered through Fullscript. See our lab testing page.

 

What to Expect at Your First Visit

 

Your 60–75 minute New Patient Visit is a calm, unhurried space to share how you're really feeling, without judgment. We'll talk about your pregnancy and birth, sleep, feeding, mood, support system, and health history. Babies are warmly welcome — bring yours along if that makes the visit easier. We'll ask about safety, as every provider should, so we can make sure you get the right level of care.

You'll leave with a plan, practical first steps, and, if needed, help connecting with therapy or other providers from the variety we work with. Follow-up visits let us adjust your care as you recover.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is it postpartum depression or just the baby blues?

Baby blues usually pass within about two weeks. If your symptoms last longer, are getting worse, or make it hard to function or care for yourself or your baby, please reach out to a provider.

 

Are supplements safe while breastfeeding?

Some are, some aren't. We review the safety of every supplement, herb, and medication for breastfeeding before recommending it.

 

Can I work with you if I'm already seeing a therapist or psychiatrist?

Yes, and we encourage it. We'll coordinate with your team so your care fits together. We work with a variety of therapists and psychiatrists rather than a single named partner.

 

Can I bring my baby to appointments?

Yes. Babies are warmly welcome at visits. Bring what you need; we'll make space for you both.

 

What if I'm in crisis?

Call 911, call or text 988, or call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262), any time, day or night.

 

You Don't Have to Do This Alone

 

Reaching out is a sign of strength. Let's get you support.

 

 

 

or call (701) 314-4008

 

Fargo Naturopathic · 4133 30th Ave S, Suite 104 · Fargo, ND 58104

 

This page is for general education and is not medical advice. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call 911, call or text 988, or call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).