Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a depressive period or series of depressive episodes that can happen after the birth of a baby.  While there is some debate, most psychological and OB/GYN experts agree that any depression that occurs within the first 12 months after birth may be related to the birth.  This type of depression affects 1 in 7 moms and 1 in 10 dads. 

Postpartum Depression is not to be confused with postpartum anxiety or perinatal depression and anxiety which can occur shortly before or during pregnancy.  These types of anxiety and depression are not covered in this episode.

The suspected incidence is hard to pinpoint and has a large range as some parents are now aware they are experiencing postpartum depression until months or even years later. The symptoms can be confused or confounded with sleep deprivation and new onset sleep disorders that often follow the birth of a baby. The rate of PPD is higher in low and middle income countries.   Many studies have landed on the incidence of PPD to be around 10-20% and a parent is 50% more likley to end up in this staistic if they had a history of depression prior.  More than 50% of PPD presents by 6 months postpartum.

 

This epsiode is a from the perspective of the OB/GYN on the first steps in identifying and beginning treatment and connection to resources. 

 

A great resource for everything related to PPD including support groups nationwide can be found on this website https://www.postpartum.net

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