POSTPARTUM
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression ( PPD ) is a mood disorder and type of depression that some women get after having a baby . It can include strong feelings of sadness , anxiety ( worry ), and tiredness that last for a long time after giving birth . These feelings can make it hard for you to take care of yourself and your baby . PPD can start during pregnancy and last through the child ’ s first year of life . It ’ s a medical condition that needs treatment to get better .
What causes PPD ? PPD does not have a single cause , but it likely results from a combination of physical and emotional factors . It does not occur because of something the mother does or does not do .
After childbirth , the levels of hormones ( estrogen and progesterone ) in a woman ’ s body quickly drop . This leads to chemical changes in the brain that may trigger mood swings . Also , many mothers are unable to get the rest they need to fully recover from giving birth . An ongoing lack of sleep can lead to physical discomfort and exhaustion , which also can contribute to the symptoms of PPD .
26 My Prenatal Care Book