2. Postpartum Depression
“Somehow women have learned to expect the
birth of a baby automatically produces
exhilaration and joy. They are led to believe
that the period following childbirth should be
the happiest time in their life. In truth, it is one
of the most stressful and anxiety-producing
periods in the life cycle of the family. More than
half of the women who give birth each year
experience some negative change in their
mental health.”
-AAMFT Position Statement on Postpartum
Depression, 2010
3. Frequency Data
It is estimated that among the 50% of women who
experience a negative change in their mood
following the birth of their baby, between 10-15%
will experience postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression results from changes in
the chemistry of the brain.
“During pregnancy, hormonal levels increase
considerably…and fall rapidly within hours to days
after childbirth…the amount of endorphins…that are
produced by the placenta during pregnancy drop
significantly after delivery” (AAMFT, 2010).
4. Symptoms of Postpartum
Depression
Frequent crying and persistent feelings of
sadness
Difficulty concentrating and frequent
forgetfulness
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Frequent exhaustion coupled with an inability to
sleep
Feeling afraid to be alone
Thoughts of self-harm (including death) or
thoughts of harming the baby
5. Symptoms of Postpartum
Depression
Feeling uninterested in the baby
Difficulty caring for self and/or the baby
Difficulty bonding with the baby
Loss of interest in physical intimacy with
partner
Feelings of shame, guilt, or inadequacy
Withdrawal from friends and family
6. Factors Increasing the Risk for
Postpartum Depression
Personal history of mood disorders
Family history of mood disorders
Limited social support from family and friends
Negative, confusing feelings about the pregnancy
Young age
Chemical dependency
Concurrent stressful life events
Financial concerns; Unsupportive and/or unsatisfying
partnership; Recent death of a loved one; Health
complications
7. Postpartum Depression
versus “Baby Blues”
Onset within the first
year after delivery
Experienced by 10-15%
of mothers
Reduction and resolution
of symptoms require
medical and
psychological
intervention
Onset within a few days
of delivery
Experienced by 50-70%
of mothers
Typically
reduced/resolved within
two weeks
Sleep; Social Support
No medical or
psychological help
Postpartum Depression “Baby Blues”
8. Postpartum Depression
versus “Baby Blues”
Severe mood
swings
Intense irritability
and anger
Overwhelming
fatigue
Lack of joy in life
Mood swings
Irritability
Trouble sleeping
Anxiety, Sadness, &
Crying
Postpartum Depression
“Baby Blues”
9. Treatment for Postpartum
Depression
Consultation with medical doctor
Psychotherapy
Individual Therapy
Couples Therapy
Group Therapy
Psychopharmacology
Commit to healthy lifestyle behaviors
Increased physical activity
Balanced diet
Avoid alcohol
Resist isolation
10. Reducing the Risk of
Postpartum Depression
Identify current stressors and develop a plan to
reduce their impact
Secure and strengthen a support system
Increased free time
Increased opportunities for sleep
Seek information about postpartum depression
11. References
American Association of Marriage and Family
Therapists
http://www.therapistlocator.net/families/Consumer_U
pdates/Postpartum_Depression.asp
Mayo Clinic
http://www.therapistlocator.net/families/Consumer_U
pdates/Postpartum_Depression.asp
U.S. Department of Health and Human Service,
Office on Women’s Health
http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/depression-
pregnancy.cfm