Postpartum depression

After giving birth to a baby 70-80% of women experience an episode of baby blues. They might feel depressed and may even realize that they can't sleep well even when the baby is asleep. These symptoms usually start 3 days after delivery and may last several days. If these symptoms do not go away within 10 days after delivery, they might have gotten a more serious case of baby blues called postpartum depression (PPD).

PPD is very common, affecting 1 in 8 women during the first few months after childbirth. Without treatment, PPD can be very serious and may endanger the life of the baby and the mother. PPD occur not only after a successful delivery, it can also occur after miscarriage, stillbirth, and adoption.