Postpartum Depression

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Postpartum depression can be overwhelming but it’s very common and treatable. It affects more than 10 percent of women who give birth, so you don’t have to feel alone. We have resources and treatment available to you.

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression, also referred to as PPD, is a type of depression that happens after someone gives birth.

There are different types of postpartum depression:

“Baby blues:” This is a short-term and mild case of depression. It’s also very common, affecting mothers when their hormones change shortly after giving birth. This can last for up to two weeks.
Postpartum depression: This is characterized by more severe symptoms that are long-lasting, affecting some mothers for an entire year or more. In some cases, postpartum depression also begins during pregnancy rather than after giving birth.
Postpartum psychosis: This is a rare and severe form of PPD usually occurring one week after birth. Symptoms are intense and include hallucinations, feelings of paranoia and confusion and making attempts to hurt somebody.

Symptoms of postpartum depression include:

Feelings of sadness, anxiety and/or guilt
Loss of appetite, energy and/or interest
Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping
Suicidal thoughts
Thoughts of hurting your baby or disinterest in your baby

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What causes postpartum depression?

Women experience a combination of hormonal, physical, emotional, financial and social changes after pregnancy and labor, which can lead to postpartum depression.

You may be at increased risk for developing postpartum depression if you:

Have a personal or family history of depression, PPD or PMDD
Have a lack social support
Are single
Are younger than 20
Have a baby with special needs

If you’ve experienced PPD with a previous pregnancy, your risk for PPD recurrence increases to 30 percent for subsequent pregnancies.

Diagnosis and testing for postpartum depression

Your care provider will evaluate your mental health during a regular three-week postpartum checkup.

Many providers use Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to screen for postpartum depression—for an accurate diagnosis, this scale requires candid, honest answers from the patient.