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

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. Knowing the common symptoms, what causes this condition, and how to get help can make all the difference for a new mom—allowing her to feel more like herself and enjoy this whirlwind stage of life with a new baby.

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can affect new moms anywhere up to a year after giving birth, and is one condition under the umbrella term “perinatal depression,” which includes depressive episodes that take place during pregnancy (called peripartum depression). According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), typical symptoms include:

  • Persistent sadness

  • Lack of interest in activities, people, and/or things you usually enjoy

  • Low self-esteem

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Loss of appetite

  • Anxiety

  • Irritability/hostility toward your baby

  • Self-blame

  • Feelings of humiliation

You may feel some or all of these symptoms, along with changes in appetite or sleep patterns, difficulty bonding with your baby, and feelings of worthlessness and/or hopelessness. 

Postpartum depression vs. “baby blues”

It can sometimes be hard to tell what’s “baby blues” and what is actually postpartum depression. Generally, experts identify baby blues as lasting only a few weeks or less, with mood swings, crying spells, and feelings of sadness, worry, exhaustion, and/or being overwhelmed. It’s estimated that up to 85% of women experience the baby blues, but that symptoms typically last two weeks or less. 

If those feelings last longer than a few weeks, however, and you identify with other feelings from the symptoms listed above, you may be suffering from postpartum depression. On average, women develop postpartum depression at around 14 weeks after delivery. 

Either way, you should always feel comfortable mentioning your feelings to your ob/gyn or your pediatrician—even if you’re not usually a “complainer,” or you’re embarrassed by them. Medical professionals are trained to discuss these matters, help you differentiate between baby blues and something more, and provide you with the support you need. Think of postpartum depression as a potential complication of childbirth, not a failure on your part. 

It can also be helpful to talk to your partner, a family member, close friend, or another mom about what you’re going through. They can offer emotional support and also help you connect with a physician to discuss diagnosis and treatment. 

What causes postpartum depression?

There’s no one cause of postpartum depression, but hormones definitely play a part. After experiencing soaring estrogen and progesterone levels during pregnancy, women experience a huge drop in both of those hormones in the first 24 hours after delivery, which can trigger depression. Likewise, thyroid hormone levels may drop post-childbirth, also potentially leading to depression.  

Because of the hormonal implications in postpartum depression, it’s important to note that women who miscarry may also experience the baby blues or postpartum depression as their bodies readjust to post-pregnancy hormone levels. 

Beyond the hormonal influence, experts have identified a few key indicators that make it more likely for a woman to develop the condition:

Genetics: Researchers have found that women with a family history of psychiatric disorders are nearly twice as likely to develop postpartum depression as women with no family history. 

Other risk factors: There may be other factors that can increase your odds of developing postpartum depression, including:

  • A personal history of depression or bipolar disorder

  • Previous experience with postpartum depression

  • Personal emotional stress (medical complications; money, job or family stress)

  • Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, or more)

  • Difficulty breastfeeding

  • A baby with special needs

  • Lack of social support

Getting treatment for postpartum depression 

Your ob/gyn or medical care provider may automatically give you a depression screening, even if you haven’t mentioned any concerns. Be sure to fill it out honestly. And if you are having any unusual feelings, fears, or concerns, definitely talk to your healthcare provider about them. 

They’ll likely do a more thorough assessment, or refer you to a mental health professional. Like depression, postpartum depression can be treated in one or more of the following ways: psychotherapy (aka talk therapy), cognitive behavioral therapy, antidepressant medication (including but not limited to SSRIs—if you’re breastfeeding, your provider will work with you to find a treatment that’s safe for nursing mothers), and anti-anxiety medication if necessary.

In 2023, the FDA approved a drug called Zurzuvae as the first oral medication to specifically treat postpartum depression. As scientists and the medical community learn more about postpartum depression, pharmaceutical companies may develop other targeted treatments.

Lifestyle help for postpartum depression

Beyond medical care, lifestyle changes and daily support can be helpful to women with postpartum depression. Experts recommend new moms prioritize the following healthy habits as part of treatment—and there are concrete ways that partners and loved ones can support these efforts:

  • Get adequate rest, nutrition, and physical activity. Easier said than done, we know. One way to do this is to sleep when the baby does (at whatever time that might be). 

  • For loved ones and caregivers: Offer to watch the baby or wash the dishes or laundry while she sleeps. Bring over nutritious foods you know she typically enjoys. Suggest a walk around the block together.

  • Join a support group. No one will understand what you’re going through the way other new moms will—especially those who are also going through postpartum depression. 

  • For loved ones and caregivers: Do some research on local support groups and share what you found. (One useful resource: Postpartum Support International.) Offer to drive the new mom to her support group, or watch the baby while she attends (whether remote or in person). 

  • Ask for what you need. It may feel like your needs should be obvious, but don’t assume that’s true. Instead, ask your partner or family member to take over a night shift or handle the next feeding while you sit in the yard for 15 minutes, or read a chapter in a book. 

  • For loved ones and caregivers: Yes, definitely ask, “Is there anything you need?” And when the new mom tells you, do your very best to give it to her. But also offer options, in case she’s so overwhelmed she can’t even think of how you can help. Suggest, “Can I take the dog for a walk? Want me to feed the baby while you shower? Can I bring you lunch?”

Resources and Helplines for Postpartum Depression

In addition to your doctor, nurse, or doula, there are other resources available if you’re a new mom feeling depressed, anxious, sad, or disinterested, or if you’re a partner or loved ones worried about the new mom in your life. 

Postpartum Support International Helpline: Call or text “Help” to 1-800-944-4773, for basic information, support, and resources.

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Text or call 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) to connect with a trained counselor who can provide support, resources, and information on maternal mental health. 

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 to connect with a live counselor who’s there to listen and help. 

Recovering from Postpartum Depression

With treatment, support, and daily self-care in terms of nutrition, physical activity, and wellbeing habits, it’s fully possible to recover from postpartum depression. While each new mom’s journey follows a different timeline, it’s important to recognize small milestones on your path to recovery: moments that make you smile, activities you once again enjoy, days where you feel joy. In time those moments will outweigh the tough ones, and you’ll start feeling like yourself again.