Postpartum depression

Many new mothers find themselves sad, angry and irritable, and experience crying spells soon after giving birth. These feelings — sometimes called the baby blues — are normal and generally subside within a week or two. But more-serious or long-lasting depressed feelings may indicate postpartum depression, particularly if signs and symptoms include:

• Crying more often than usual
• Low self-esteem or feeling like you're a bad mom
• Anxiety or feeling numb
• Trouble sleeping, even when your baby is sleeping
• Problems with daily functioning
• Inability to care for your baby
• Thoughts of harming your baby
• Thoughts of suicide

Postpartum depression is a serious medical condition requiring prompt treatment. It occurs in about 10 to 15 percent of women. It's thought to be associated with:

• Major hormonal fluctuations that influence mood
• The responsibility of caring for a newborn
• Predisposition to mood and anxiety disorders
• Pregnancy and birth complications
• Breast-feeding problems
• Infant complications or special needs
• Poor social support