Postpartum depression

About 10 to 15 percent of women experience its symptoms after childbirth. For some, it goes away. For others, it gets worse.

Doctors can’t pinpoint an exact cause but they guess it’s

• stress
• genetics
• hormone fluctuations

PPD Stats:

• Low-income women are at greater risk for PPD
• Financial stress increases the risk of PPD while decreased access to healthcare lowers the chance of detection
• PPD is prevalent among Hispanic women on Medicaid Journal of Women’s Health)
• Half of women who show signs of PPD never seek treatment

While 50-60 percent of new moms get “baby blues” within 2 weeks of a delivery, it can get better on its own. PPD affects 8-15 percent of mothers worldwide and can develop into something serious. It can begin anytime within 6 months after giving birth.

PPD symptoms:

• loss of interest in hobbies and normal activities
• frequent crying
• appetite loss
• lack of motivation
• difficulty sleeping
• potential inability to bond with child
• possibly harming herself or her child (severe)

PPD treatment:

• medication
• counseling
• both

PPD increased risks:

• previous PPD
• depression unrelated to pregnancy
• severe PMS
• marriage difficulties
• lack of support from loved ones
• stressful events occurring before or after birth
• women younger than 17
• single mothers without other adults around
• divorced women