Postpartum Depression
Pregnancy brings about many hormonal shifts. These dramatic shifts can sometimes affect mood. This is commonly known as the "Baby Blues".
Postpartum Depression
After giving birth, about 30% to 80% of women will experience "baby blues," feeling mild depression, weepiness, irritability, fatigue and moodiness. These mood changes occur in response to the hormonal changes that follow childbirth and rapidly resolve within hours or days.
About 10% of women, though, will go through postpartum major depression (PMD), experiencing more severe, lasting…
Books About Postpartum Depression
Buy the top books about postpartum depression, including "And Down Came the Rain", Brooke Shields' memoir of her experiences with postpartum depression.
Buy the top books about postpartum depression, including "And Down Came the Rain", Brooke Shields' memoir of her experiences with postpartum depression.
Could Postpartum Depression Have Been Useful to Our Caveman Ancestors?
Researchers at Edinburgh University believe that the biochemical changes associated with postpartum depression may have been a useful coping mechanism for our ancient ancestors. They speculate that mothers would have benefitted from agressive urges that lead them to fiercely protect their babies.
Researchers at Edinburgh University believe that the biochemical changes associated with postpartum depression may have been a useful coping mechanism for our ancient ancestors. They speculate that mothers would have benefitted from agressive urges that lead them to fiercely protect their babies.
Dads Get Postpartum Depression Too
Women aren't the only ones affected by postpartum depression, says a study. Dads get the baby blues too.
Women aren't the only ones affected by postpartum depression, says a study. Dads get the baby blues too.
Drugs May Not Be Necessary for Some With Postpartum Depression
Many mothers with postpartum depression are reluctant to take antidepressants because they are concerned that they won't be able to breastfeed or because of the side-effects associated with antidepressants. The good news for these moms, according to a review of the published data, is that non-drug interventions can often help reduce the symptoms of postpartum depression.
Many mothers with postpartum depression are reluctant to take antidepressants because they are concerned that they won't be able to breastfeed or because of the side-effects associated with antidepressants. The good news for these moms, according to a review of the published data, is that non-drug interventions can often help reduce the symptoms of postpartum depression.
Eat Fish for Healthy Baby, Happy Mom
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may be able to reduce their chances of having postpartum depression and improve their baby's neurological development by consuming an essential fatty acid called DHA, claims David Kyle, Ph.D., the US director of the Mother and Child Foundation.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may be able to reduce their chances of having postpartum depression and improve their baby's neurological development by consuming an essential fatty acid called DHA, claims David Kyle, Ph.D., the US director of the Mother and Child Foundation.
Male Babies Linked to Postpartum Depression
Giving birth to a boy may increase your risk for postpartum depression, this study suggests.
Giving birth to a boy may increase your risk for postpartum depression, this study suggests.
More Than Just the "Baby Blues"
Postpartum depression runs on a continuum from mild "baby blues" to full-blown psychosis, such as what Andrea Yates suffered when she murdered her children. Learn about the spectrum of postpartum affective disorders.
Postpartum depression runs on a continuum from mild "baby blues" to full-blown psychosis, such as what Andrea Yates suffered when she murdered her children. Learn about the spectrum of postpartum affective disorders.
Poll: Postpartum Depression
Mothers, have you ever experienced postpartum depression? How severe was it?
Mothers, have you ever experienced postpartum depression? How severe was it?
Would You Eat Your Placenta to Avoid Postpartum Depression?
A 2007 USA TODAY article which brought attention to a practice called placentophagy, in which the mother ingests her own placenta following birth. While some cook the placenta and eat it, others prefer to grind up the dried placenta and put it in capsules.
A 2007 USA TODAY article which brought attention to a practice called placentophagy, in which the mother ingests her own placenta following birth. While some cook the placenta and eat it, others prefer to grind up the dried placenta and put it in capsules.