By definition, postpartum depression is a form of depression that begins within weeks of childbirth and may persist for several months or years postpartum. According to a study published by the CDC, 1 in 8 women experiences postpartum depression nationally. 

As with any other form of mental illness, postpartum depression is a serious mental disorder that can have a negative impact on the mother-child relationship, as well as their health and overall well-being. If left untreated, postpartum depression can develop into full-blown depression.

“Baby Blues” VS Postpartum Depression

The main difference between the so-called baby blues and postpartum depression is the severity and duration of symptoms. Baby blues are a common occurrence, affecting up to 80% of new mothers. They are typically mild in nature and last for a few days to a couple of weeks after childbirth.

On the other hand, postpartum depression is much more severe and long-lasting. It can begin anytime within the first year of childbirth and can go on for months or even years.

Causes of Postpartum Depression

The causes of PPD are not fully understood, but several factors are thought to contribute to its development. These factors include:

Hormonal changes: After childbirth, there is a rapid drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the mother’s body. This shift in hormonal levels can lead to mood swings and feelings of sadness.

Sleep deprivation: Lack of sleep is a common problem for new mothers. This can contribute to fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and depressive mood.

Stress: The stress of caring for a new baby can be overwhelming. This can trigger or worsen symptoms of depression.

Lifestyle changes: A mother’s role and routine are often drastically different after the birth of a child. This can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and uncertainty, ultimately leading to a depressive mood.

Existing mental health conditions: Some experts suggest that postpartum depression may be a continuation of an existing mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety.

Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression can happen to any woman after childbirth, regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic status. However, several factors may make a woman more likely to experience this type of depression. They include:

• A history of depression or other mental illness
• Lack of support from family and friends
• Financial stress
• Relationship problems
• Stressful life events (such as divorce, death of a loved one, or financial difficulties)
• Poor coping skills
• Unrealistic expectations of motherhood
• Previous experience with postpartum depression
• Complications during pregnancy or childbirth
• A baby with health problems
• Unplanned pregnancy
• Multiple births

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

The symptoms of postpartum depression can vary from person to person. They may be mild, moderate, or severe. Some women experience only a few symptoms, while others experience many. The most common symptoms include:

• Persistent sadness
• Excessive crying
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Changes in appetite
• Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Irritability or anger
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Loss of interest in sex
• Thoughts of harming oneself or the baby

Preventing Postpartum Depression

There is no sure way to prevent postpartum depression, but below are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the condition:

• Prepare for childbirth by attending childbirth classes
• Set realistic expectations for motherhood. Understand that it is normal to feel overwhelmed and exhausted in the first few weeks after childbirth.
• Make sure you have a strong support system of family and friends before, during, and after childbirth.
• Get as much rest as possible. Sleep when your baby sleeps.
• Stick to a healthy diet and exercise regularly (if possible), both during pregnancy and after delivery.
• Enlist the services of a nanny or get someone to help with childcare if needed.
• Make sure you have realistic expectations of motherhood.
• Talk to your doctor or a counselor if you are feeling overwhelmed, sad, or anxious.

Treating Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a serious condition that can have lasting effects on both mother and child. However, it is a highly treatable condition, and most mothers often make full recovery with the help of medication and counseling, or both.

If you think you may be suffering from postpartum depression, it is vital to seek professional help as soon as possible. Early intervention is essential for a successful recovery.

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Experiencing the baby blues or other mood swings after childbirth is normal, “But some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression. Rarely, an extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis also may develop after childbirth.”

It’s not a character flaw or a weakness but sometimes merely a complication of childbirth. Someone with postpartum depression may benefit from treatment to help them manage symptoms and form a healthy bond with their baby.

Know The Symptoms

• Feeling sad or depressed
• Lack of interest in once enjoyable activities 
• Changes in appetite
• Problems sleeping
• Low energy or more fatigue
• Doing more meaningless physical activities (can’t sit still, pacing, hand-wringing) or slowed movements or speech with these actions observed by someone else
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Problems thinking or making decisions
• Preoccupation with death or suicide 
• Can’t bond with your baby
• Feeling like a bad parent
• Fear of harming the infant or yourself

Can It Affect Fathers?

Yes, postpartum depression can affect fathers. “Studies show that 1 in 10 dads struggle with postpartum depression and anxiety as well. Their symptoms are slowly becoming more recognized, diagnosed, and treated. A mom recently shared the story of her husband’s postpartum depression in The New York Times, and healthcare providers are encouraging pediatricians to incorporate postpartum depression screenings of fathers as well as mothers during well-child visits.” Fathers can experience the same issues as the mom, influencing the child’s development.

Risk Factors

• You have a history of depression or another mental illness
• Previous instance of postpartum depression
• A family history of depression or another mood disorder
• You’ve undergone stressful events the past year, like pregnancy complications, sickness, or job loss
• Your baby has health issues or other special needs
• You gave birth to multiple babies at the same time
• Problems with breast-feeding
• Spousal or other relationship issues
• You have a weak support system or financial troubles

Does Postpartum Depression Impact Child Development?

According to a study by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, “The consequences on the child of maternal postpartum depression are not restricted to infancy, but can extend into toddlerhood, preschool age, and even school age. Maternal depression that occurs later influences the development of the school-age child and the adolescent.”

Postpartum depression at different stages, exhibited by specific behavior on the mother’s part, can affect childhood development in different ways.

• If the mother is angry or withdrawn or has other behaviors while the child is an infant, this could lower the baby’s cognitive performance.
• If the mother displays passive noncompliance, less maturity, or internalizes or externalizes problems when the child is a toddler, the consequences may include lower cognitive performance and less creative playtime.
• If the mother has impaired adaptive functioning or affective, anxiety, or conduct disorders while the child is of school age, development problems in the child may include lower IQ scores paired with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
• During the child’s adolescence, a mother with affective disorders such as “anxiety disorders, phobias, panic disorders, conduct disorders, substance abuse, and alcohol dependence,” may influence learning disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the child.

It’s worth mentioning that these are only potential outcomes. Not all women who give birth will experience postpartum depression. Even for those who do, their symptoms and behavior may not be so severe that they negatively influence their child’s age-appropriate development. Questions about postpartum depression affecting a child’s development should be directed to a medical or mental health specialist.

Diagnosis & Treatment

If you’re experiencing postpartum depression, talk with your healthcare provider about your thoughts, feelings, behavior, and mental health – and how they can affect your baby’s development. Diagnosis may involve a depression screening and a voluntary mental health questionnaire, blood tests to see if a thyroid problem is triggering your symptoms, and other tests as needed. Sometimes, a medical problem is the cause and can be treated accordingly. Diagnosis may also mean seeing a mental health specialist. 

Treatment for postpartum depression often includes psychotherapy, self-help, diet and lifestyle changes, and newer options, including ketamine therapy. If you have postpartum depression, get help before it’s too late.