TMS with Neuronavigation › Depression › Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression can be treated. Even without extra medication.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) acts directly on the brain area that regulates mood, without medication. It can be an option for mothers who are breastfeeding, cannot tolerate antidepressants or do not want to take them.
For breastfeeding mothers
It is not just tiredness
The sadness and tears of the first days after birth usually pass within two weeks. If they last longer, get worse or stop you from enjoying your baby and yourself, an assessment is worthwhile. Postpartum depression affects about one in eight mothers and does not mean you are any less of a good mother.
What studies show
There is less evidence than for depression in general, but it is growing, and so far it shows a good safety profile for mother and baby.
23
studies, no significant effects in babies
A review of TMS studies in pregnancy and after birth found no significant adverse effects in newborns, including during breastfeeding.
effect
significant effect on depression
A meta-analysis of TMS studies in depression during pregnancy and after birth found a significant reduction in symptoms, with no serious adverse effects.
4 of 6
mothers in remission, breastfeeding unaffected
In a pilot study at the University of North Carolina, 4 of 6 mothers reached remission with no effect on breastfeeding, and the improvement lasted at 6 months.
In brief, with Dr Nadia Gorduza
Dr Nadia Gorduza explains how TMS works for postpartum depression, why it does not affect breastfeeding and how sessions fit around your baby’s routine.
How it fits your life right now
Initial assessment
We talk about the birth, breastfeeding, sleep and previous treatments. A clinical assessment with standardised test batteries.
Target planning
Once only: the target is found with Localite Neuronavigation and saved for all sessions.
The sessions
From about 3 minutes with Theta Burst, usually 5 days a week. We fit the schedule around your baby’s routine.
Reassessments
After 10, 20 and 30 sessions you see your progress in numbers, and the doctor adjusts the plan.
Ongoing research
Postpartum depression has become an important topic in TMS research. Some of the ongoing studies:
Magnus Medical, 4 centres in the USA · 192 patients
The SAINT protocol in postpartum depression
A randomised study testing the accelerated protocol developed at Stanford, for mothers with postpartum depression.
University of Macau · 290 participants
Precision TMS with robotic guidance
Combines biological markers for early detection of postpartum depression with robot-guided TMS for treatment.
Yes, TMS can be an option while breastfeeding. It uses no medication and does not enter the bloodstream or breast milk, and studies so far have shown no adverse effects in babies. We make the decision together at the initial assessment.
No. TMS does not affect breast milk, so you can continue breastfeeding as usual.
In pregnancy the decision is individual and is made only after an assessment, together with your obstetrician. Tell us from the start if you are pregnant or might be.
Yes. TMS combines well with psychotherapy, and at ID Therapy you can have both in the same clinic.
Prices are the same as for TMS in depression. You can find them on the main TMS page, under Prices.
The first step is the initial assessment. Tap “Book now!” and choose your time directly on WhatsApp. Bring your medical records, your list of medications and your MRI, if you have one.
3 Aviator Jean Texier Street, 1st floor, apt. 2, Sector 1, Bucharest · Monday–Friday, 10:00–20:00
Results vary from patient to patient. The indication for TMS is set by the doctor after an assessment. Sources: Miuli et al., Psychiatry Res 2023 · Lee et al., BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021 · Cox et al., J Affect Disord 2020 · ClinicalTrials.gov, November 2026.
ID Therapy Brain & Longevity Clinic
