This is a sponsored post on behalf of Teladoc and the Mom It Forward Network.Â
When I had my newest little bundle of joy, I went through some scary complications. After her birth, we were both okay, but I kept reliving flashbacks of the surgery when I had a bad reaction to the anesthesia and couldn’t breathe. It made my heart race every time. There were times I couldn’t allow my thoughts to wander because my mind would go right to it. I kept the television on or would read a book or would keep busy with taking care of my kids just so I could avoid the anxiety. But, it didn’t work because sometimes it would just hit me like a ton of bricks, and I’d feel panicky.
Anxiety disorders affect more than 42 million Americans including busy moms with babies and young children. We always hear about postpartum depression, but postpartum anxiety is also a real issue for many women. It definitely was an issue for me. Â
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Getting Help with Postpartum
I knew I was having a problem, so I tried finding a doctor or therapist to help me. However, there were hardly any on my insurance plan nearby. The ones I did find didn’t have any openings for months. This is a common problem for many people looking for help. According to the US Department of Health & Human Services, more than 96 Million Americans live in areas where there are shortages of mental health providers.Â
One thing that held me back from initially looking for help was I knew how time consuming visits would be with travel and childcare since you usually need to have regular appointments with a therapist.  Then, I learned my insurance covered virtual care through telehealth apps.Â
Virtual care is perfect because it helps moms with all these issues with via phone, web and downloadable apps.  I was able to find appointments available immediately, and often they had a wide range of times from weekends and even at night. I realized it was doable with my husband watching the kids at night.
Teladoc
If you’re a busy mom who rarely has time for yourself, Teladoc is the go-to way to receive quality behavioral health care, whenever, wherever. It’s available anytime, 24/7, and on your terms like the comfort of your home. You could even go out to the minivan for total quiet and privacy while your husband watches the kids inside.Â
Finding the right care is very personal and not a one-size-fits-all. That’s why you can count on Teladoc to give you choices and help you find a licensed therapist or board-certified psychiatrist who you’re most comfortable with. Plus, there is continuity of care, so that you can speak to the same person throughout your course of care. Plus, all visits are confidential and can be done where you are most comfortable because trust and safety are cornerstones of Teladoc services.
It’s easy to get started.
Register through the Teladoc website or mobile app where you can easily complete your medical history. Next, you’ll request a visit and select your therapist via the app, web, or phone. Once you schedule your visit, you’ll complete your Emotional Health Questionnaire. Â
Go to Teladoc.com/therapy to learn more and to see if your employer or health plan provides this service for you and your family. Check out Teladoc on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
17 comments
This is definitely something to keep in mine. I have a few friends that are pregnant right now and something like this could help them if they run into postpartum problems.
So many moms go through this and it’s so important for them to know they are not alone and that there ARE resources out there for them to get some help.
These sound like some great tips I can imagine it can be a very anxious time after giving birth so knowing where to turn if that anxiety becomes to much is a good thing.
I wasn’t aware there was this type of service available for mental health services. I can see where that might be helpful to someone with limited transportation or access to services as well.
This is a great way to get counseling. It is such a verbal field doing it via phone is a perfect situation and would work well in most cases. I wish this was available when I was having my issues during and post partum
If only Teladoc was something that was available when my little ones were younger. I am so happy that postpartum anxiety is being spoken about more openly these days – it’s actually quite common and it’s better that we all share our stories to keep everyone informed and that it is okay.
I suffer from anxiety and it’s really no joke. I had no idea that there was something called postpartum anxiety!
This is something that is so important. I’m happy to hear that this is offered. I’ve never heard of Teladoc but I can’t wait to share it with my friends and family.
It is so important to get help. Right after having a baby is so difficult and knowing where to turn for comfort and support is so important. This is great there is a service for this!
I love these types of medical facilities. Sometimes I am just limited on how much time I have and my office is notoriously late. This way I can keep on working until they are ready to see me. Thanks for this info!
I love that it’s so easy to reach out and get help, especially when you can’t get out of the house for whatever reason. Great post!
Virtual care and telemedicine is something that is ultimately going to take over the world. With the shortage of mental health care centres and with the busy lifestyles that people lead this is indeed a convenient and welcome option.
The anesthesia gave me such a bad migraine after the surgery too. I also had a water leakage on my back, that’s something that would always haunt me about giving birth.
I am not yet a parent but I have been hearing lots about postpartum anxiety. Good thing now, there is the internet which we can use to make instant video calls to our family and friends. Great way to get over this anxiety.
I can’t imagine how a mother go through after giving birth. I heard some was the great experience and some was a big nightmare. It so nice that there so many resource out there like this that you can read to prepare you to be a mom.
I did my annual company physical earlier this week and the nurse practitioner reviewed the results via Skype. It was my first time using telemedicine even though my doc offers consultations via Skype. This is such a great service to new moms.
I’m so glad there is help for those who need it. I’ve had many friends who have anxiety, and I know it’s not easy. I’ll let them know about the app!