Postpartum Depression Support
You're not alone in this
This Isn't Your Fault. And It's Not Who You Are.
Postpartum depression affects 1 in 7 new mothers. It's not a reflection of how much you love your baby or how badly you wanted this. It's a serious mood disorder driven by hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and the enormous adjustment of becoming a mother. The sadness, the numbness, the guilt, the disconnection: these are symptoms, not character flaws. And they are treatable.
If your symptoms have lasted more than two weeks, are interfering with caring for yourself or your baby, or include thoughts of self-harm, please reach out now.
The sadness, the numbness, the guilt, the disconnection: these are symptoms, not character flaws.
What Therapy Looks Like
PPD therapy with Dr. Rundle isn't about analyzing your childhood or talking in circles. It's about getting you relief, real and practical, starting now. You might work on:
Processing what you're feeling, giving yourself permission to say "this is hard" and "I'm not okay" without guilt or shame
Challenging the dark thoughts, the ones that say you're a bad mother, your baby would be better off without you, or you'll never feel like yourself again
Rebuilding connection, with your baby, your partner, and yourself, at a pace that doesn't feel forced
Creating a support system, identifying what you actually need, learning to ask for it, and letting go of the belief that you should be able to do this alone
Addressing the relationship strain, because PPD doesn't just affect you; it changes the dynamic with your partner, and that needs attention too
We coordinate with your OB/GYN or psychiatrist if medication would help alongside therapy. Many mothers benefit from combining therapy with structured postpartum support.
Many mothers benefit from combining therapy with structured postpartum support.
This Is For You If
You feel persistently sad, empty, or hopeless. You're struggling to bond with your baby. You've lost interest in things you used to care about. You're irritable, anxious, or numb. You can't sleep even when baby sleeps. You feel worthless or consumed by guilt. You're going through the motions but feel disconnected from your own life.
You can't sleep even when baby sleeps.
Why Dr. Rundle
Dr. Jana Rundle is Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C) with specialized training in postpartum mood disorders. She understands the biological, hormonal, and psychological factors unique to postpartum: not just the textbook version, but the reality of trying to function while your brain chemistry is working against you.
In-home sessions, telehealth, and in-office care available. We bring therapy to you when getting out feels impossible. Serving North Austin, Central Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, and all of Texas.
Your Path to Recovery
Prompt Assessment
Begin with a thorough evaluation to understand your specific symptoms, risk factors, and support needs, with priority scheduling for postpartum concerns.
Multi-Faceted Care
Receive a personalized treatment plan that may include individual therapy, medication coordination, support groups, and family involvement.
Gradual Healing
Experience progressive symptom relief while developing long-term resilience and bonding strategies with your baby.
Key Benefits
Symptom Relief
Reduce depression, anxiety, irritability, and intrusive thoughts with proven therapeutic techniques.
Maternal Identity
Reconcile expectations with reality while developing confidence in your unique mothering style.
Infant Bonding
Strengthen connection with your baby through guided interaction and attachment exercises.
Relationship Support
Navigate changes in partnerships and family dynamics during this vulnerable transition.
Self-Care Integration
Develop realistic, sustainable self-care practices that fit within your new family reality.
Peer Connection
Combat isolation through optional peer support groups with other postpartum women.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this service.
How do I know if I have postpartum depression versus "baby blues"?
Baby blues typically fade within two weeks after birth and don't severely interfere with your ability to function. Postpartum depression involves more persistent and intense symptoms lasting beyond two weeks that make it difficult to care for yourself or your baby. If you're unsure, we offer rapid screening (often same-day) to determine appropriate support.
Can I bring my baby to therapy sessions?
Absolutely. We design our postpartum sessions with the understanding that your baby may be present and may need attention during our time. Our office has changing facilities, feeding privacy, and soothing options. In-home sessions make this even easier.
Do you coordinate with my medical providers?
With your permission, we collaborate closely with your OB/GYN, midwife, pediatrician, or psychiatrist to ensure comprehensive care. This is especially important if medication is part of your treatment plan or if there are concerns about your or baby's wellbeing.
What if I'm having thoughts of harming myself or my baby?
If you're experiencing these thoughts, please call us immediately for an emergency appointment. These symptoms can be successfully treated with prompt intervention. Thoughts of harm are a symptom of severe PPD, not a reflection of your love for your baby or your character as a mother. If you're in immediate crisis outside of business hours, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.
How long does PPD treatment take?
Most mothers see significant symptom improvement within 8-12 weeks of consistent treatment combining therapy and (when appropriate) medication. However, full recovery can take several months. The timeline varies based on symptom severity, support systems, and individual factors.
Will I have to take medication?
Not necessarily. Mild to moderate PPD often responds well to therapy alone. Medication is typically recommended for moderate to severe symptoms, especially if therapy alone isn't providing sufficient relief. All medication decisions are made collaboratively between you, your therapist, and your prescribing provider.
Can PPD come back with future pregnancies?
Women who've experienced PPD have a 30-50% risk of recurrence with subsequent pregnancies. However, with early intervention, strong support systems, and sometimes preventive treatment, many mothers have healthier postpartum experiences in later pregnancies. We offer pre-conception counseling for mothers planning future pregnancies after PPD.
Does insurance cover postpartum depression therapy?
Dr. Rundle is considered an out-of-network provider on all insurance panels. We provide detailed Super Bills for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement if you have out-of-network mental health benefits. Many plans cover a significant portion of therapy costs.
What if my partner thinks I'm "just tired" or "need to try harder"?
Postpartum depression is a medical condition, not a character flaw or a matter of willpower. Educating partners about PPD is often part of treatment. We offer partner sessions to help your support system understand what you're experiencing and how they can best help.
Can I breastfeed if I'm being treated for PPD?
Yes. Many mothers successfully breastfeed while receiving therapy for PPD. If medication is recommended, we work with your prescribing provider to choose medications with well-established safety profiles for breastfeeding mothers. The decision to continue, modify, or stop breastfeeding is always yours.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Take the first step toward healing and growth with a free 15-minute consultation.