Postpartum Depression

In the days just after giving birth, many women experience "baby blues," with symptoms that can include:

Mood swings
Sadness
Crying spells
Loss of appetite
Sleeping problems
Irritability
Restlessness
Loneliness

These symptoms — caused by wildly fluctuating hormones — are completely
normal, not severe and generally go away within a few days to a couple of
weeks after birth.

For some women, however, these symptoms are far more intense and persist longer than a few weeks. In this case, the woman may be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). The difference between PPD and baby blues is that PPD can occur anytime in the year following birth, it affects a woman’s well-being and long-term ability to function, and it’s a serious disorder that requires medical attention.

Other signs of PPD may include:

A lack of interest in your new baby
Thoughts of hurting yourself
Fear of hurting your baby

If you experience any of the above feelings or have concerns that you may be suffering from PPD, please contact your doctor or midwife immediately. Many options are available to treat PPD such as medication, therapy and support groups.

Help is available

To learn more about PPD or find resources in your area visit:

Postpartum Support International's web site or call their toll-free help line at 800-944-4PPD (4773)
www.Women'sHealth.gov - information on depression during and after pregnancy
Depression During and After Pregnancy (pdf), frequently asked questions about depression, published by the Minnesota Hospital Association