This document discusses postpartum depression, including its frequency, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment. It notes that while 50-70% of women experience some negative mood changes after giving birth, termed "baby blues", 10-15% will experience postpartum depression, characterized by more severe and longer-lasting symptoms. Risk factors include a personal or family history of mood disorders and lack of social support. Treatment involves consulting a doctor, psychotherapy, medication, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Screening for postpartum depression is important so women at risk can get appropriate help.

1. PARENTING AFTER
PREGNANCY:
SCREENING FOR
POSTPARTUM
DEPRESSION
By: Julie Housiaux

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