Health Tip: Postpartum Depression

What may be behind unhappy feelings after giving birth

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(HealthDay News) - Depression that follows the birth of a baby is common, as new moms are overwhelmed by the changes in their bodies and routines.

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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers this list of reasons for why postpartum depression affects some new mothers:

• New moms can suffer from lack of sleep after the baby's birth, which can lead to fatigue, stress and depression.
• New moms can feel overwhelmed by all of the new things to do, and by other changes in their lives. They may even feel unsure of their parenting skills.
• New moms may set unrealistic expectations for themselves.
• New moms have less time for themselves, with their partners, and less time to do what they want.

-- Diana Kohnle