Ch. 4
Postpartum depression is a form of depression that occurs after childbirth and affects approximately 10% of women of childbearing age. Postpartum depression can be caused by the extreme drop in a woman’s hormone levels that occur after the delivery of a child. There are different degrees of postpartum depression from baby blues to postpartum psychosis. If left untreated, the disorder can have serious adverse effects on the mother and her relationship with significant others, and on the child's emotional and psychologic development. (Epperson 1999). A woman may not always understand that she is suffering from postpartum depression or may resist seeking treatment for a number of reasons. For example a first time mother may not realize that what they are feeling is not normal. Some women are afraid that they will be viewed as a bad mother or that they are going crazy (Epperson 1999).
The different types of depression after childbirth vary with Baby Blues being the most common and lasting only a few day to a week or two, Symptoms of Baby Blues include; trouble sleeping, crying, anxiety and sadness (Mayo Clinic Staff 2012). Postpartum Depression is more severe than baby blues and usually last longer. The symptoms of Postpartum Depression are; severe mood swings, insomnia, difficulty bonding with the baby and withdrawal (Mayo Clinic Staff 2012). The most severe and rarest form of postpartum depression is Postpartum Psychosis which usually surfaces within the first