Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a major depressive disorder occurring in the postnatal period. PPD can affect the mother’s mood and behavior as well as the infant’s development.

Baby blues is not Postpartum Depression. Baby blues occurs in 26-85% of postpartum women and is considered to be part of the normal reaction to childbearing. Symptoms include unhappy mood, tearfulness, irritability, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Baby blues peaks around day 3 or 4 postpartum and resolves within 7-10 days.