What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression is a type of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) that women experience within 12 months of giving birth. Up to 15-20% of women experience postpartum depression, and the odds are even higher for those with one or more risk factors.
What are the risk factors for postpartum depression?
Risk factors include:
- A personal or family history of depression, anxiety, or postpartum depression
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD or PMS)
- Inadequate support in caring for the baby
- Financial stress
- Marital stress
- Complications in pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding
- A major recent life event: loss, house move, job loss
- Mothers of multiples
- Mothers whose infants are in Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU)
- Mothers who’ve gone through infertility treatments
- Women with a thyroid imbalance
- Women with any form of diabetes (type 1, type 2 or gestational)
If you have of these risk factors, talk to your medical provider about what to do if you recognize symptoms.