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Step 1
Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or obstetrician to discuss your symptoms of postpartum depression. Listen to your doctor's advice about ways to treat your condition, including the possibility of acupuncture.
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Step 2
Continue to use any medications, talk therapy or other treatments that have been prescribed by your doctor. Acupuncture does not work for everyone and is not always a suitable replacement for more conventional forms of treatment.
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Step 3
Determine whether acupuncture sessions are covered by your health insurance plan. Many times, such appointments are not included and can become costly.
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Step 4
Choose an acupuncturist who is licensed and accredited by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). This organization is the certifying body for acupuncture and maintains a provider directory on its website (see Resources below).
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Step 5
Wear loose, comfortable clothing when you meet with your acupuncturist for a consultation. Ask questions about the treatment method and frequency of appointments.
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Step 6
Ask what type of needles the acupuncturist employs. Many professionals use disposable needles for each patient, which reduce the risk of infection.
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Step 7
Relax on the treatment table as you are being treated. Normally, patients feel a slight sting when the needles are inserted. If you feel constant pain, let the acupuncturist know right away.
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Step 8
Expect to have several sessions before feeling your symptoms of postpartum depression lift. Some women feel a drastic change in their moods after just one acupuncture session, but this is rare. The majority of people feel better after a series of appointments, while others find that this treatment method does not affect them at all.
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Step 9
Check in with your doctor periodically to report on your condition. If acupuncture is not working for you, discuss other ways to treat your postpartum depression.
