Tag Archives: postnatal depression

The Baby Blues: When It Won’t Go Away

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Postpartum depression (PPD) affects roughly one in six women and can develop at any time in the first year after a baby is born and may persist for months if left untreated. The more common “baby blues” effects almost 80% of women and makes an appearance between day three and day ten of giving birth. The baby blues are caused by rapidly changing hormone levels in the mother, predominantly progesterone. Typical symptoms are weepiness, a sense of inexplicable sadness and a feeling of being overwhelmed by even the most trivial incident. By the end of a fortnight however, these symptoms … Continue reading →

Fathers and postnatal depression

A new study from the University of Melbourne in Australia has revealed a vital link between postnatal depression in new mothers and the behaviors of the baby’s father. Traditionally, new mothers presenting at their family doctor or at early parenting centers with symptoms of postnatal depression have been prescribed antidepressants. While the medication may assist the mother in the short-term, the long term problem regarding what is causing the depression in the first place is not addressed via drug intervention alone. In addition, breastfeeding is not recommended while taking antidepressant medication, and both mother and child may miss out on … Continue reading →