Whenever a woman gives birth, she experiences a sudden decrease in certain hormones associated with pregnancy. The normal result of this abrupt change in hormone balance is a short period of highly emotional behavior known as the “baby blues”. The baby blues normally do not last more than about two weeks and are relatively minor in severity. Sometimes, though, a woman does not get over the baby blues in a short time and the intensity of the emotional difficulties is much more severe. She may even consider harming herself or the baby. This condition is far more serious and is known as postpartum depression.

It has been estimated that about 10% of women will experience some form of postpartum depression while 70% will experience measurable symptoms of the baby blues. The primary differences to look out for are duration, the baby blues will correct itself within two weeks while postpartum depression lingers on; severity, a woman with the baby blues will cry and experience mood swings but she would never consider hurting herself or the baby while a woman with PPD may; other symptoms normally associated with classic forms of depression, including fear of harming herself or the baby, exhaustion or fatigue, intense and sudden mood swings, and periods of intense crying with no apparent cause.

An estimated 1 in 500 women will experience an even more severe disorder known as postpartum psychosis. This is a severe, exaggerated form of postpartum depression in which mother and baby are both at serious risk of injury or death. There is some risk even if the mother does not display psychotic symptoms.

If a woman is showing signs of suffering from postpartum depression, intervention by trained medical personnel is essential to get her emotional well being under control and to protect her and the baby from possible harm. Medications used to treat depression can be administered for whatever length of time is required and monitored by a physician. It may prove helpful to bring in a clinical therapist as well to allow the mother to discuss any feelings of inadequacy or other negative emotions she is experiencing. The most important thing is letting her know that these symptoms do not make her a bad mother. She is experiencing a real medical illness that affects her mind and emotions, but can be treated and corrected to allow her to be a successful parent.

Some risk factors that a woman may develop postpartum depression include history of emotional disorder, depression or bipolar disorder, a family history of PPD, personal history of PPD with a previous child. If any of these risk factors are present, monitoring the mother closely for signs of PPD is strongly recommended.

While it is perfectly natural for a woman to experience a brief period of the baby blues after giving birth due to a sudden shift in hormones, postpartum depression is a much more severe, longer lasting emotional disorder that requires intervention by a doctor to correct.