What Is Pospartum Depression?

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By Janet Hunt
eHow Contributing Writer

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Depression

Postpartum depression, sometimes called the "baby blues," is a condition than can occur anytime up to two weeks to one year after a woman has given birth. This condition is more than just the mild moodiness or blues normally experienced after childbirth.

Definition

Postpartum depression is a form of clinical depression experienced by the mother after childbirth. Cases can be mild or severe. Severe postpartum depression may require hospitalization where the condition can be evaluated and treated.

Causes

As reported by womenshealth.gov, postpartum depression is thought to be directly related to hormonal changes in a woman's body during the birth process.

Symptoms

Postpartum depression includes, but is not limited to, the following symptoms: sleep difficulties, sad feelings, crying, feeling overwhelmed and thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby.

Risk Factors

Certain risk factors make some women more prone to develop postpartum depression than others, including a personal history of depression or mental illness, a family history of depression or mental illness, depression during the pregnancy, marital problems or a history of substance abuse.

When to get Help

If you experience depression for more than two weeks after giving birth or are having trouble caring for yourself or your newborn, you should consult your physician.