Postpartum thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid that occurs in women after the delivery of a baby

Postpartum thyroiditis is caused by of anti-thyroid (anti-thyroid peroxidase, anti-thyroglobulin) antibodies that attack the thyroid and cause inflammation.

In the United Status, postpartum thyroiditis occurs in approximately 5-10% of women. The incidence can be greater in certain high-risk populations (see below).

The thyrotoxic phase may be treated with beta blockers to decrease palpitations and reduce shakes and tremors. As symptoms improve, the medication is tapered off since the thyrotoxic phase is transient. Antithyroid medications (see Hyperthyroid brochure) are not used for the thyrotoxic phase since the thyroid is not overactive. The hypothyroid phase is often treated with thyroid hormone replacement (see Thyroid Hormone Therapy brochure).

Positive anti-thyroid antibodies (risk correlates with antibody levels, the higher the antibody the higher the risk) History of previous postpartum thyroiditis (20% of women will have recurrence of thyroiditis with subsequent pregnancies)

The classic description of postpartum thyroiditis includes thyrotoxicosis followed by hypothyroidism. The thyrotoxic phase usually lasts for 1-3 months and is associated with symptoms including anxiety, insomnia, palpitations (fast heart rate) fatigue, weight loss, and irritability. The hypothyroid phase typically occurs 1-3 months after the thyrotoxic phase and may last up to 9 –12 months.

middot; Occurrence: Postpartum depression develops in approximately 10% of all postpartum women. The greatest risk occurs at approximately 4 weeks after delivery. middot; Contributing factors: Risks for postpartum depression include primiparity (first pregnancy), history of postpartum depression, lack of social support, and lack of stable relationships.

You may have heard of doulas related to the idea of someone helping a laboring mom through her delivery. Less well known are 'postpartum' doulas who can be hired to come to your home and support the recovering mother. As defined in the wikipedia entry for Doula: "Postpartum doulas are trained to offer families evidence-based information and support on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents.

Yes, our basic doula Services include two prenatal and one postpartum. More are available if needed or requested.

Yes, cell phones are allowed in both rooms. Because some areas on the floor may not have cell phone service, you should be prepared to use the pay phones if necessary. If you desire, you can also have cameras, cassette players or CDs in the delivery room.

The amount of time before you are moved varies depending on your recovery but, on average, is about two hours after delivery. If you have an unscheduled cesarean section delivery, recovery time will differ.

What a postpartum doula does changes from day to day, as the needs of the family change. Postpartum doulas do whatever a mother needs to best enjoy and care for her new baby. A large part of their role is education. They share information about baby care with parents, as well as teach siblings and partners to “mother the mother.” They assist with breastfeeding education. Postpartum doulas also make sure the mother is fed, well hydrated and comfortable.

Postpartum psychosis is much less common and affects 1-2 in 1000 women after having a baby. It typically presents within 1 week and up to 4 weeks after delivery. This condition is an emergency and women will require immediate clinical assessment and treatment. Symptoms progress quickly from irritability and problems falling asleep, to symptoms of poor concentration, disorganized thinking, unusual behaviors, unusual or irrational beliefs, agitation, and rapid mood changes.