Postpartum Depression Treatment

Pregnancy and birth can be an especially vulnerable time for women. It is not uncommon for new mothers to feel sad or anxious during pregnancy and after giving birth — a phenomenon called “baby blues.” But when baby blues interferes with daily life and lasts longer than two weeks, it may be a sign of postpartum depression.

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Between 50 and 75% of all new mothers experience some degree of the baby blues. Biological, emotional, social, and financial changes can leave moms feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and sad — especially while adjusting to life with a new baby. The baby blues typically resolves itself within a week or two.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is often confused for the baby blues, except that postpartum depression doesn’t go away on its own. Furthermore, the symptoms of PPD are more intense, can interfere with day-to-day life, and can make it difficult to care for your baby.

Common Signs & Symptoms

Postpartum depression is marked by feelings of intense anxiety and sadness that last for longer than two weeks. Symptoms usually appear during pregnancy, but generally develop within the first few weeks after giving birth, and can last for up to a year. Other signs and symptoms of PPD include:

Severe mood swings
Excessive crying
Appetite changes, including eating more than usual or loss of appetite
Intense anger and irritability
Loss of energy and overwhelming fatigue
Insomnia
Inability to think clearly or concentrate
Severe anxiety that may include panic attacks
Thoughts of hurting your baby or yourself
Feeling worthless, inadequate, or ashamed
Difficulty bonding with your baby

Causes of Postpartum Depression

There is a common misconception that only first-time mothers can develop postpartum depression. However, PPD can develop after the birth of any child — and even fathers can develop PPD. A number of factors contribute to developing postpartum depression.

Physical changes: during pregnancy and childbirth, hormones like estrogen and progesterone fluctuation. After delivery significant drops in these hormones, as well as other hormones produced by the thyroid, can contribute to PPD.q

Emotional issues: sleep deprivation can lead to feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Additionally, pregnancy takes a toll on the body and can leave new moms feeling unattractive or struggling with their sense of self-worth. It is not uncommon to feel a loss of identity during the transition into parenthood.

Risk factors

There is an increased risk of developing postpartum depression if any of these factors are present:

A history of depression
Previous instances of PPD
Bipolar disorder
Multiple (i.e. twins, triplets) birth
Environmental stress, such as financial or relationship difficulties
Major life events, like job changes, moving, or the death of a loved one
Thyroid imbalance
Diabetes
Lack of support network
Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
Baby has special needs
Pregnancy complications

Types of Treatment for PPD

mother and child outside happy after postpartum depression

Each woman who struggles with postpartum depression is impacted in a unique way, and responds to treatment differently. Fortunately, postpartum depression responds well to treatment. Individualized treatment plans may consistent of one or a combination of:

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Motivational interviewing
Individual, group, and family sessions
Experiential therapies

Occasionally, certain prescription medications may be recommended to ease some of the symptoms of postpartum depression.