Having a baby can be one of the happiest and biggest events in a woman’s life.  While life
with a new baby can be thrilling and rewarding, it can also be difficult and stressful at
times.  Many physical and emotional changes can happen while a woman is pregnant and
after she gives birth.  These changes can leave new mothers feeling sad, anxious, afraid,
or confused.  For many women, these feelings go away quickly.  But when these feelings do
not go away or get worse, a woman may have postpartum depression (PPD).

Common Signs of Postpartum Depression include:

• Restlessness or irritability
  
• Decreased energy
  
• Feeling sad or crying
  
• Having vague physical symptoms such as   headache or stomach ache
  
• Troubles sleeping
  
• Decreased appetite
  
• Feeling overly worried about the baby
  
• Not having interesting in the baby
  
• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
  
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  
• Thoughts of hurting the baby
  

It is important to understand and address the things in a new mother's life that can
contribute to PPD, such as:  

• Exhaustion
  
• Feeling overwhelmed
  
• Feeling stress from changes in your routine
  
• Feeling a loss of control
  
• Doubting yourself as a parent
  

Postpartum Depression can occur a few days or even a few months after childbirth.   
While PPD is a serious medical illness, it is important to know that it can  be treated.   
Psychotherapy can help.

Postpartum Depression