Postpartum depression

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Depression - postpartum; Postnatal depression

A new mother who has any symptoms of postpartum depression should take steps right away to get help.

Here are some other helpful tips:

• Ask your partner, family, and friends for help with the baby's needs and in the home.
• Don't hide your feelings. Talk about them with your partner, family, and friends.
• Don't make any major life changes during pregnancy or right after giving birth.
• Don't try to do too much, or to be perfect.
• Make time to go out, visit friends, or spend time alone with your partner.
• Rest as much as you can. Sleep when the baby is sleeping.
• Talk with other mothers or join a support group.

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The treatment for depression after birth often includes medication, therapy, or both.

• If you are diagnosed with depression, you may need to be followed closely for at least 6 months.
• There are several types of antidepressant medications that may be given to breastfeeding mothers, including paroxetine, sertraline, and nortriptyline.
• Ask your doctor or nurse for a referral to a mental health therapist. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are types of talk therapy that have been found effective for postpartum depression.

If you are thinking of harming yourself or your infant, seek immediate medical help.

If you are diagnosed with postpartum depression, support groups may be helpful, but they should not replace medication or individual psychotherapy (talk therapy).

Medication and professional psychotherapy can often successfully reduce or eliminate symptoms.

If left untreated, postpartum depression can last for months or years, and you may be at risk of harming yourself or your baby.

The potential long-term complications are the same as in major depression.

Call your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Your baby blues don't go away after 2 weeks
• Symptoms of depression get more intense
• Symptoms of depression begin at any time after delivery, even many months later
• It is hard for you to perform tasks at work or at home
• You cannot care for yourself or your baby
• You have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• You develop thoughts that are not based in reality, or you start hearing or seeing things that other people cannot

Do not be afraid to seek help immediately if you feel overwhelmed and are afraid that you may hurt your baby.

Review Date: 09/04/2010
Reviewed By: David B. Merrill, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).