Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious type of depression that occurs after childbirth. It is highly prevalent, affecting more than 1 in 10 mothers in the months and years after giving birth.
In the first two weeks post-birth, many mothers experience mood swings, tearfulness, fatigue, and anxiety. This is often referred to as the “baby blues” and is considered a normal adjustment period. However, if symptoms last beyond two weeks, it could indicate postpartum depression.
Common symptoms of postpartum depression include:
Persistent sadness and low mood
Loss of interest in daily activities and the wider world
Trouble sleeping at night
Daytime fatigue and lack of energy
Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
Struggles with self-care and caring for the baby
Disturbing or intrusive thoughts, such as fears of harming the baby
PPD can feel isolating and overwhelming, but effective treatment options are available. Traditional approaches include antidepressant medications and psychotherapy. While these methods help some, they are not always suitable for everyone—particularly for breastfeeding mothers or those who need a faster recovery.
This is where transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may offer a safe and effective alternative.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. Unlike medication, TMS does not circulate throughout the body or affect breast milk, making it a particularly appealing option for new mothers.
TMS targets the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for mood, motivation, and decision-making. By resetting brain activity patterns, TMS can help reduce depressive symptoms and restore emotional balance.
Meta-analysis evidence: A 2023 study by Wang et al. found that TMS significantly improves depressive symptoms and cognitive function in mothers with PPD.
Case studies: Senda et al. (2023) documented a new mother who achieved remission from PPD after TMS, with noticeable improvements in just two weeks.
Relapse prevention: O’Reardon & O’Reardon (2024) showed that TMS maintenance therapy helped women avoid relapses of depression during pregnancy and postpartum without adverse effects.
These findings highlight TMS as both an effective and rapid treatment option, which is especially valuable during the postpartum period when recovery speed is critical for both mother and baby.
Safety is a key concern for mothers considering any treatment during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Research consistently shows that TMS is well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
No serious adverse effects reported: Both Senda et al. (2023) and O’Reardon (2024) found no negative health impacts for mothers receiving TMS.
Safe during breastfeeding: Cox et al. (2020) found no disruption to lactation in mothers treated with TMS.
Better tolerability than medication: Al-Shamali et al. (2022) concluded that TMS is a safe alternative to antidepressants, with lower risk to both mother and child.
For new mothers concerned about the risks of antidepressants passing through breast milk, TMS offers a promising alternative.
Research increasingly supports TMS as a safe, effective, and drug-free treatment option for postpartum depression. Benefits include:
Rapid symptom improvement (often within weeks)
Prevention of relapse during pregnancy and postpartum
No serious side effects or impact on breastfeeding
Suitability for women who cannot take or do not respond well to medication
At Smart TMS, we specialise in providing TMS therapy for a wide range of mental health conditions, including postpartum depression. With clinics across the UK, our mission is to help new mothers and families find safe, effective alternatives to traditional treatments.
👉 Take the first step towards recovery today. Contact Smart TMS to book your TMS assessment and discover whether TMS therapy could help you overcome postpartum depression.