Postpartum depression (PPD), also called postnatal depression, is a form of clinical depression which can affect women, and less frequently men, typically after childbirth. Studies report prevalence rates among women from 5% to 25%, but methodological differences among the studies make the actual prevalence rate unclear. Among men, in particular new fathers, the incidence of postpartum depression has been estimated to be between 1.2% and 25.5%.[1] Postpartum depression occurs in women after they have carried a child. Symptoms include sadness, fatigue, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, reduced libido, crying episodes, anxiety, and irritability. Although a number of risk factors have been identified, the causes of PPD are not well understood. Many women recover with a treatment consisting of a support group or counseling.

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, a standardized self-reported questionnaire, may be used to identify women who have postpartum depression.If the new mother scores more than 13, she is likely to develop PPD.

These include, but are not limited to, the following:
Sadness
Hopelessness
Low self-esteem
Guilt
A feeling of being overwhelmed
Sleep and eating disturbances
Inability to be comforted
Exhaustion
Emptiness
Anhedonia
Social withdrawal
Low or no energy
Becoming easily frustrated
Feeling inadequate in taking care of the baby
Impaired speech and writing
Spells of anger towards others
Increased anxiety or panic attacks
Decreased sex drive – see Sex after pregnancy

Onset and duration
Postpartum depression usually begins in the first few months after childbirth. In Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition it is defined as depression with onset within 4 weeks after childbirth.[7] It usually begins around two weeks after childbirth.[8] It may last up to several months or even a year.

Risk factors
While the causes of PPD are not understood, a number of factors have been identified as predictors of PPD:
birth-related psychological trauma
Formula feeding rather than breast-feeding
A history of depression
Cigarette smoking
Low self esteem
Childcare stress
Prenatal depression during pregnancy
Prenatal anxiety
Low social support
Life stress
Poor marital relationship
Infant temperament problems/colic
Maternity blues
Single Marital Status
Low socioeconomic status
Unplanned/unwanted pregnancy

Of these, formula feeding, a history of depression, and cigarette smoking have been shown to be additive effects.

These factors are known to correlate with PPD. "Correlation" in this case means that, for example, high levels of prenatal depression are associated with high levels of postnatal depression, and low levels of prenatal depression are associated with low levels of postnatal depression. But this does not mean the prenatal depression causes postnatal depression—they might both be caused by some third factor. In contrast, some factors, such as lack of social support, almost certainly cause postpartum depression. (The causal role of lack of social support in PPD is strongly suggested by several studies, including O'Hara 1985, Field et al. 1985; and Gotlib et al. 1991.) Anthropologists Kruckman and Stern tested the idea cross culturally, and their pioneering study determined six ways in which postpartum rituals, including the use of the postpartum ritual, la cuarentena, in Chicago Latina mothers, to protect or cushion the expression of mood disorders.[12]

Treatment
Numerous scientific studies and scholarly journal articles support the notion that postpartum depression is treatable using a variety of methods. If the cause of PPD can be identified, as described above under "social risk factors," treatment should be aimed at mitigating the root cause of the problem, including increased partner support, additional help with childcare, cognitive therapy, etc.

Women need to be taken seriously when symptoms occur. This is a twofold practice: First, the postpartum woman will want to trust her intuition about how she is feeling and believe that her symptoms are real enough to tell her significant other, a close friend, and/or her medical practitioner; erring on the side of caution will go a long way in the treatment of PPD.[6] Second, the people in whom she confides must take her symptoms seriously as well, aiding her with treatment and support. Partners, friends and physicians may notice changes in a postpartum mother that she may not. Knowing that PPD is treatable with a variety of methods can make persistence in seeking treatment easier.

Various treatment options include:
Medical evaluation to rule out physiological problems
Cognitive behavioral therapy (a form of psychotherapy)
Possible medication
Support groups
Home visits/Home visitors
Healthy diet
Consistent/healthy sleep patterns

An experienced medical professional will work with a postpartum mother to develop a treatment plan that is right for her. This plan may include any combination of the above options, and might include some discussion or feedback from/with a partner. If a woman suffering from PPD does not feel she is being taken seriously or is being recommended a treatment plan she does not feel comfortable with, she will want to seek a second opinion.[6]

A woman will want to discuss the various treatment options available with her physician and, if considering drug therapy, should speak about which medications are safe to take while breastfeeding.

Treatment for PPD can reduce the length of suffering and its severity. Untreated, the Baby Blues may go away on its own (and does in most cases). PPD may or may not go away without treatment. Speaking to a health care provider as soon as symptoms occur is the safest way to ensure prompt treatment and return to normal life.

According to The National Institutes of Mental Health, studies show that the childbearing years are when a woman is most likely to experience depression in her lifetime. Approximately 15% of all women will experience postpartum depression following the birth of a child. (Chasse, J). When the mental health of the mother is compromised, it affects the entire family. (Postpartum Support International).

Advanced clinical training for perinatal psychotherapists and psychiatrists can be obtained at The Postpartum Stress Center with Karen Kleiman. Kleiman is a pioneer in the field, co-author of the first self-help book on the topic (postpartumstress.com).

blank: I had it with my first baby. It was so bad that my mum called me aside n asked if the baby was a mistake. I didn't set eyes on my baby until day 3 and it was one of the nurses that said I shld go up n see my baby (he was being treated for jaundice). It was just God n the people around me that helped me thru that phase.

blank: I had it with my first baby. It was so bad that my mum called me aside n asked if the baby was a mistake. I didn't set eyes on my baby until day 3 and it was one of the nurses that said I shld go up n see my baby (he was being treated for jaundice). It was just God n the people around me that helped me thru that phase.

cotton101: it can be lonely at times having a newborn, coupled with lack of sleep and constant feeding and changing it can be so tiring - if you don't have the help and support around you a new mother can spiral into a deep post natal depression.

A topic people don't even touch on is ante natal depression.

When you think of how some families/husbands treat their wives its no wonder some women think of jumping into a river after giving birth.

very sad

One aspect I developed was extreme OCD - I was so sacred of my daughter coming into contact with germs or anything harming her - to the point I didn't want to leave the house in case something happened, the skin on my hands started peeling off due to washing them ever two seconds - if not for the health visitor who recognised all the signs I don't even think I would be typing this right now. on top of all this I had trouble breastfeeding for 2 months I almost gave up, its only because of lack of money I didn't switch totally to formula (another gist for another day due to her irresponsible biological father)

ifyalways: wow
I can imagine if you had the wrong set of people around you.
I think it would be good to have husbands attend ante natals with their wives atleast once a month.

debrief08: Slimyem, I consult with some NGOs, I will meet with some women who share the same veiws and see if we can work with some Doctors to breakdown the language and sponsor publication and awareness in the 3 major languages.
We can put some in hospitals so when women come for antenatal they can see and read, also work with NGOs who specialise in fertility to do grass root englightnment.
It may not be much but am sure we can do a little, at least this one is in my backyard

LoaditeDOTcom: [size=28pt]it shall not affect me and u IJN[/size]

LoaditeDOTcom: [size=28pt]it shall not affect me and u IJN[/size]

shadrach77: yoruba tribe recognises this type of depression - they call it 'abisiwin'

shadrach77: yoruba tribe recognises this type of depression - they call it 'abisiwin'

Human Psycho: Most depression victims shouldn't consider the antidepressant pills as I consider that a waste of time.. It will prolly go manic. Simply go for therapy or ensure full patner support as stated! More of this on our blog.