TMS for Postpartum Depression: A Safe, Effective Treatment for New Mothers

Postpartum depression (PPD) is said to affect as many as 1 in every 7 new mothers. This causes symptoms that hinder a parent’s bonding capacity and active care-taking of her newborn. For many women, finding effective treatment options that don’t impact their breastfeeding or introduce unwanted side effects is challenging. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy offers a helpful solution, especially beneficial for mothers experiencing postpartum depression.

Understanding Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is more than just “baby blues.” It’s a serious mental health condition that can develop within the first year after childbirth. Some common symptoms include:

Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness
Trouble bonding with your baby
Pulling away from family and friends
Extreme tiredness or energy loss
Strong irritability and anger
Worry that you’re not a good mother

If these are the symptoms you’re having, know you’re not alone. Treatment is available. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, for one, does help

What is TMS Therapy?

TMS is an FDA-cleared non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain areas associated with the control of mood. For mothers with postpartum depression, TMS offers several key benefits:

Focused treatment: Targets brain areas involved in mood control.
Anesthesia free: You remain awake throughout the procedure and can drive yourself to and from appointments.
Short treatment sessions: Lasting 20-37 minutes, fitting nicely into a busy new mom’s schedule.

Few side effects: Unlike drugs that may cause weight gain, sexual side effects, or disruptions to sleep

How TMS Helps New Mothers with Postpartum Depression

Research has established that good results may be obtained through TMS therapy in treating postpartum depression. Clinical research shows that TMS therapy can help “wake up” and reset the brain pathways responsible for depression, giving new mothers relief from the symptoms that interfere with enjoying this special time with their babies.

The benefits of choosing TMS therapy for postpartum depression include:

1. Safe for Breastfeeding

Unlike antidepressant medications that pass into breast milk, TMS treatment does not get into the bloodstream or breast milk. This makes it a wonderful alternative for mothers who are nursing and are concerned about medication exposure to their infants.

2. Quick Relief for Mothers Who Need It

Postpartum depression needs treatment without any delays. Many mothers report success after just a few weeks into the TMS treatment, allowing them to focus on bonding with their babies.

3. Results That Last

In various studies, postpartum mothers treated by TMS maintained their elevated mood for many months or even years without additional treatment.

4. Full Support During Treatment

At Advantage TMS, we understand that recovery from postpartum depression is about more than just the treatment. Our program offers:

Free group therapy specifically created for mothers having TMS
Support from our Licensed Clinical Social Worker and TMS support team
Personal treatment plans made for your specific needs
Lab work to find any factors that might be adding to your depression
Support after treatment to ensure lasting results

What to Expect During TMS Treatment for Postpartum Depression

Here is what you can expect when you choose TMS:

First Meeting: We’ll determine if TMS is right for you through a free consultation
Personal Treatment Plan: Our team will create a plan tailored just for you
Regular Sessions: Treatment typically involves 5 sessions per week for about 6 weeks
Comfort During Treatment: You’ll sit in a relaxed position while the TMS device delivers magnetic pulses to specific parts of your brain

Return to Normal Right Away: No downtime needed—you can drive and continue with your day right after each session

Insurance Coverage for TMS Therapy

Good news for new mothers thinking about TMS therapy: If you’ve tried medication without success, your insurance should cover TMS treatment. At Advantage TMS, we accept:

Tricare
VA Champ
Medicare
All Blue Cross Blue Shield plans
Florida Blue
United
Aetna
Cigna
And many more

Is TMS Right for You?

If you are still on the fence about TMS therapy, here is why it may be a perfect option if you:

Have postpartum depression symptoms
Would rather not take medications while breastfeeding
Haven’t had good results with antidepressants
Want to avoid the side effects that come with medications
Need a treatment option that works with your busy schedule as a new mom

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

Postpartum depression shouldn’t keep you from experiencing the joy of motherhood. At Advantage TMS, we’re dedicated to helping new mothers find relief through our effective TMS therapy program.

Our clinic is open extended hours (8 am – 8 pm) and on Saturdays to work with your schedule. We offer same-day free consultations and can usually begin TMS treatment within 5-7 days.

Contact us today at 727-287-5208 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward finding your joy and bonding with your baby.

Note: While TMS therapy has shown good results for postpartum depression, results may differ for each person. It’s important to talk with a healthcare provider to find the best treatment approach for your specific situation.

Hirely Martinez

Hirely Martinez, LCSW, is a leading mental health expert and head of the Integrative TMS Program at Advantage TMS. Specializing in TMS therapy, LGBTQ+ cultural competency, and innovative mental health care.

Sources

BestMind Behavioral Health. (n.d.). Is transcranial magnetic stimulation effective for postpartum depression? Retrieved April 30, 2025, from https://bestmindbh.com/blog/is-transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-effective-for-postpartum-depression/

Kim, D. R., Epperson, C. N., Paré, E., Gonzalez, J. M., Parry, B. L., & Thase, M. E. (2019). An open-label pilot study of transcranial magnetic stimulation for postpartum depression. Journal of Affective Disorders, 265, 50–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2019.10.033