Women's Health
Postpartum Depression
Many women who breastfeed their babies and suffer from Depression seek out a non-drug treatment option.
When deciding the best way to take care of yourself, it is important that you understand all of your options.
All of the studies conducted thus far indicate that rTMS is safe and well tolerated in women with postpartum depression. Treatment resulted in improvement in depressive symptoms which were maintained over 3 to 6 months of follow-up. Remission rates were relatively high, ranging from 66% to 90% in open label trials. This is slightly better than what we see in the general adult populations, where studies report remission rates closer to 25% and response rates around 50%.
Many women understandably prefer non-pharmacologic treatments for PPD because they are concerned about breastfeeding and about exposing their nursing infant to medication contained in the breast milk.
TMS is also a good option for new mothers whose bodies are resistant to antidepressant pills. It may also be effective for those who have not seen improvement from taking antidepressants.
Compared to other forms of postpartum depression treatment, TMS has fewer and less severe side effects. Unlike when taking antidepressants, TMS does not cause weight gain, drowsiness, or insomnia.
Safe During Pregnancy
Women who want to avoid or limit the use of antidepressants may consider Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a safe and effective treatment option during pregnancy.
Several research findings have shown that TMS is a safe and viable treatment for women who are pregnant or postpartum.
- A University of Pennsylvania study of TMS and pregnancy found that among 10 pregnant women treated with TMS, 70 percent responded well within just 20 sessions, with no adverse effects on pregnancy or fetal outcomes. The only side effect was a mild headache in four of the patients.[1]
- Another study that focused on TMS during postpartum found that eight of the nine women who were treated with TMS experienced complete remission of their depression.[2]
A recently published study looking at 26 children ages one to five years old, whose mothers had received TMS treatment during pregnancy, found there were no differences between the children born to women who had TMS during pregnancy and children born to women who did not undergo TMS.[3]
TMS’s safety and effectiveness make it an ideal option for women with a history of non-response to standard antidepressant medications that are deemed safe in pregnancy or for women who don’t want to take medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding & TMS
Many women are concerned about the taking antidepressants while breastfeeding. Some may be
women who develop Postpartum Depression, while others may be ones who were already on
antidepressants before they got pregnant, stopped, and are reluctant to restart them until after their infant is weaned.
There is much research on breastfeeding while taking antidepressants, and the bulk of the evidence is that it is safe.
Premenstrual Disorder & TMS
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a hormone-dependent mental condition that causes significant suffering in 5% of women of reproductive age worldwide.
Symptoms of PMDD include:
- Irritability, tension, and a constant fight-or-flight state.
- Deep depression and feelings of hopelessness
- Feelings of guilt and low self-worth, particularly with knowledge of the stigma surrounding menstrual disorders.
- Mood swings that can occur multiple times a day.
- Physical ailments like headache, breast tenderness, hypersomnia, fatigue, and more.
Sufferers can develop suicidal ideation from the pain of PMDD, and some turn to substances for relief, especially when the disorder is not recognized or properly cared for. According to this study, the average woman with untreated PMDD will lose about 3 years of life that would otherwise be of much better quality.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a novel therapeutic technique, which is based on modulating neural activity by inducing an electric field in the brain. Studies suggest that TMS is a safe and effective treatment for PMDD.
Articles In The News
Root + Rise Perinatal Health x SEPA TMS Center
Expanding Treatment Options for Pregnancy & Postpartum Mental Health
At SEPA TMS Center, we’re proud to collaborate with Root + Rise Perinatal Health, a specialized perinatal mental health program dedicated to supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum, and the transition into motherhood.
Root + Rise is the first independent, private insurance-accepting perinatal mental health outpatient program in the region, offering compassionate, evidence-based care designed specifically for expecting and new mothers. Their services include individual therapy, medication management, infant-inclusive day treatment programs, group support, and holistic therapies.
For many women, deciding how to treat depression during pregnancy or while breastfeeding comes with unique concerns. While medication can be life-changing and appropriate for many mothers, others are searching for effective treatment options that don’t involve medication exposure.
Why TMS Can Be an Appealing Option
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment for depression that does not involve medication or chemicals. Because TMS uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain associated with mood regulation, there is no known medication exposure to the fetus or breastfeeding infant.
TMS may be worth exploring for women who:
- Are pregnant and prefer to avoid medication exposure
- Are breastfeeding and concerned about medication transfer
- Have not found sufficient relief from antidepressants
- Cannot tolerate medication side effects
- Want to discuss all evidence-based treatment options with their care team
Two Trusted Teams. One Shared Mission.
At Root + Rise, mothers receive specialized support tailored to the emotional and psychological challenges that can arise during pregnancy and postpartum.
At SEPA TMS Center, we also provide accelerated TMS therapy as another evidence-based option for women navigating depression during this important season of life.
Together, our goal is simple: to ensure women know they have choices. Maternal mental health care should be individualized, collaborative, and centered around the well-being of both mother and baby.
Because mothers deserve support that helps them heal, connect, and thrive.
Learn more about Root + Rise Perinatal Health:
https://rootandrisepostpartum.com/