Postpartum Depression: The Basics

Henry Moore, Suckling Child, 1930

Henry Moore, Suckling Child, 1930

Ebi is dedicated to supporting your holistic postpartum journey. A holistic postpartum journey is one that acknowledges the important connection between care for our bodies and care for our minds. Our products are aimed at nurturing your recovering body and supporting your emotional health as well. Given that roughly 1 in 9 postpartum people experience depression after giving birth, it is important to invest in your own well-being as well as to understand the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a real condition, and if you believe you may be experiencing it, there are resources available to help.

What is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is a serious mental condition that affects not only your brain but also your behavior and physical health. Postpartum depression is more than the “baby blues” that many new parents experience in the first few days after birth. Symptoms of the condition include sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness for more than 2 weeks after giving birth. Other signs may present as difficulty bonding with your baby, changes in sleep or appetite, severe anxiety and panic attacks, and thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. 

When to Seek Help

If you believe you or a loved one is experiencing postpartum depression, it may be time to seek help. If “baby blues” continue for more than 2 weeks, or if symptoms become more intense, the US Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health recommends you or a loved one call your doctor, nurse, midwife, or pediatrician. If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, or if you are not able to take care of your baby due to your symptoms, please seek help immediately. Your provider should listen to your concerns and refer you to another level of care if they are unable to provide the services you need. 

From Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

From Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

What Causes Postpartum Depression?

Throughout your pregnancy, your body is coursing with the hormones estrogen and progesterone. However, in the first 24 hours after birth, your body’s levels of these hormones drop back to pre-pregnancy levels. Similarly to how hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle (or period) can cause mood swings, the rapid change in hormone levels after childbirth may lead to depression. Other factors, such as feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, societal pressure to be a perfect parent, and financial and time strains due to a new baby can also contribute to symptoms of postpartum depression. 

Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression

Like all mental conditions, postpartum depression can affect anyone. However, certain demographics and traits may put you at a higher risk for postpartum depression, including:

  • Personal or family history of depression of bipolar disorder 

  • Limited social support 

  • Depression during pregnancy

  • Complications with previous pregnancies or births

  • Relationship or financial problems

  • Pregnancy under age 20

  • Drug or alcohol misuse 

  • Baby with special needs

  • Difficulty with breastfeeding

  • Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy

Self Care While Seeing a Provider for Postpartum Depression

Self care and social support are beneficial for all stages of pregnancy and postpartum life, and are especially helpful if you are experiencing postpartum depression. The Office on Women’s Health recommends you rest as much as you can during this period and remind yourself that it is okay to ask for help. Take a relaxing herbal sitz bath while sipping on a soothing tisane. Spend time with people who support you, and talk about your feelings with someone you trust. To nurture connection with others, attend a support group or resource center to meet others who may have had similar experiences.

Where Can I Find Support and Resources?

  • The National Alliance on Mental Illness Hotline is available Monday through Friday, 10am-10pm EST at 1-800-950-6264 and the Crisis Text Line is available for free, 24/7 by texting NAMI to 741-741

  • Postpartum Support International hosts peer support groups in every state as well as online support meetings, most of which are free to the public

  • Doula Training International can partner you with a doula throughout your pregnancy and postpartum journey, who can offer support for postpartum depression

  • The Motherhood Center NYC offers support groups, information, and resources for all stages of pregnancy and is available for support at 212-335-0034

  • If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911

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