Depression in Women: The Postpartum Experience

Abstract

Both the popular and professional literature acknowledge that postpartum depression is the most common emotional problem following childbirth. The popular literature cautions new mothers that they may experience the “baby blues,” a mild depression, following the birth of their infant. While this literature may suggest ways to relieve the depression (get a babysitter, talk to other new mothers, take walks), the standard advice is that the new mother should accept these “blue” feelings as a common, natural occurrence after childbirth and that this depression will pass in time, once the woman has adapted to her new role as a mother.