Postpartum depression

[Zipporah Schumaker]

Postpartum depression is a feeling of extreme sadness and related psychologic disturbances during the first few weeks or months after delivery.

Women who have had depression are more likely to develop postpartum depression.
Women feel extremely sad, cry, become irritable and moody, and may lose interest in daily activities and the baby.
Women should see their doctor if they continue to feel sad and have difficulty doing their usual activities for more than 2 weeks after delivery or if they have thoughts about harming themselves or the baby.
A combination of psychotherapy and antidepressants is recommended for women with postpartum depression.

The baby blues—feeling sad or miserable within 3 days of delivery—is common after delivery. Women should not be overly concerned about these feelings because they usually disappear within 2 weeks.
Postpartum depression is a more serious mood change. It lasts for weeks or months and interferes with daily activities. About 10 to 15% of women are affected. Very rarely, an even more severe disorder called postpartum psychosis develops.