Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is moderate to severe depression in a woman after she has given birth. It may occur soon after delivery or up to a year later. Most of the time, it occurs within the first 3 months after delivery.

Causes of Postpartum Depression

The exact causes of postpartum depression are unknown. Changes in hormone levels during and after pregnancy may affect a woman’s mood. Many non-hormonal factors may also affect mood during this period:

  • Changes in your body from pregnancy and delivery
  • Changes in work and social relationships
  • Having less time and freedom for yourself
  • Lack of sleep
  • Worries about your ability to be a good mother

If you experiencing depression and/or concerned about your well-being, you can contact your Obgyn, Pediatrician or Primary Care Physician OR you can call:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE
National Postpartum Depression Hotline: 1-800-PPD-MOMS

Who is Effected by Postpartum Depression?

You may have a higher chance of postpartum depression if you:

  • Are under age 25 years
  • Currently use alcohol, take illegal substances, or smoke (these also cause serious health risks for the baby)
  • Did not plan the pregnancy, or had mixed feelings about the pregnancy
  • Had depression, bipolar disorder, or an anxiety disorder before your pregnancy, or with a past pregnancy
  • Had a stressful event during the pregnancy or delivery, including personal illness, death or illness of a loved one, a difficult or emergency delivery, premature delivery, or illness or birth defect in the baby
  • Have a close family member who has had depression or anxiety
  • Have a poor relationship with your significant other or are single
  • Have money or housing problems
  • Have little support from family, friends, or your spouse or partner

Postpartum Websites

If, at any time, you experience symptoms that you feel might put you or your baby at risk, call 911 and seek immediate emergency care from healthcare professionals.

Sleep Training Articles

  • Sleep Quality & Depression: Research reveals an association between poor sleep quality/quantity and symptoms of anxiety, depression and psychosis…Read More>>
  • Depression During Postpartum: Infant sleep patterns and maternal fatigue are strongly associated with a new onset of depressive symptoms in the postpartum period… Read More>>
  • Use of Sleep Machines: Infant sleep machines and Hazardous sound pressure levels…Read More>>
  • Resolving Bedtime Problems: Behavioral treatment of bedtime problems and night wakings in infants and young children…Read More>>
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  • Sleep and School Performance: A School-Based Intervention among School-Aged Children…Read More>>
  • Go the Bleep to Sleep: How a Pediatric Sleep Specialist Brought Us Some Peace and Stories at Yale Medicine…Read More>>
  • Childhood Sleep Guidelines: The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) provides some helpful guidelines regarding just how much sleep children need at different stages in their development…Read More>>

For additional information, contact:
Jaime Dolphin
913.205.4242
jaime@www.newfamilyguidance.com