Postpartum depression: what it is and how many moms are affected – Aussie Bubs

Thanks to family, friends, influencers, books, and other media, new moms generally have a good sense of what to expect in the first few weeks after bringing their baby home. There will likely be sleepless nights that lead to exhaustion, upended schedules that make you forget to eat lunch, and feelings of elation that you and your partner created this tiny miracle that swing to feelings of panic that you don’t know how to care for this helpless bundle—and then back again to that incredible sense of joy and wonder.

But few moms expect the roller coaster of feelings and symptoms that can indicate postpartum depression. And yet it’s common—some research finds that 1 in 7 new moms experience this condition within a year of giving birth, while other estimates conclude 10 to 15% of new mothers develop it.

You may have heard about postpartum depression and wondered what exactly it is—or you may be feeling depressed and not quite yourself in the days, weeks, and months after having your baby, and now you’re wondering if postpartum depression could be the cause.

Learning more about this condition is a positive step toward identifying and treating it, whether you notice signs in yourself or in someone you love.

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can affect new moms up to a year after giving birth. It’s part of the broader category “perinatal depression,” which also includes depressive episodes that occur during pregnancy. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), symptoms may include:

• Persistent sadness
• Lack of interest in activities you usually enjoy
• Low self-esteem
• Sleep disturbances
• Loss of appetite
• Anxiety or irritability
• Hostility toward your baby
• Self-blame or humiliation

You may also experience difficulty bonding with your baby, changes in sleep or appetite, and feelings of hopelessness.

Postpartum depression vs. “baby blues”

It can be hard to tell what’s “baby blues” and what’s postpartum depression. Baby blues typically last a few weeks or less and include mood swings, crying spells, and feeling overwhelmed. Up to 85% of women experience them.

If symptoms last longer than two weeks and align with those listed above, it may be postpartum depression, which often appears around 14 weeks after delivery.

Tip: Always mention your feel