Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of critical depressive disorder that affects women in their post delivery. This type of disorder has deleterious effects both on the mother and her child.

2. Postpartum depression can
begin anytime within the first
year after childbirth. The cause
is not known. Hormonal and
physical changes after birth and
the stress of caring for a new
baby may play a role. Women
who have had depression are at
higher risk.

3. PPD lasts longer and is more serious than
baby blues. Baby blues are feelings of
sadness you may have 3 to 5 days after
having a baby. You may have trouble
sleeping, be moody or cranky, and cry a lot.
These feelings go away about 10 days after
your baby’s birth.

4.  Feel very sad, hopeless, and empty. Some
women also may feel anxious.
 Lose pleasure in everyday things.
 Not feel hungry and may lose weight.
 Have trouble sleeping.
 Not be able to concentrate.

5. PPD can make it hard for you to take care of
your baby. If you have PPD, your baby may:
 Have problems bonding with you
 Cry a lot
 Be slow in learning to talk
 Have behavior problems

6.  Antidepressants: These are medicines used to
treat many kinds of depression, including
PPD. Some have side effects, like having a dry
mouth or gaining weight.
 Estrogen: This hormone plays an important
role in your menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
During childbirth, the amount of estrogen in
your body drops quickly.