Postpartum Depression: The Quick Reference

Depression that begins during pregnancy or in the year after giving birth, lasting longer and feeling heavier than the short-lived "baby blues."

Key takeaways

• Baby blues: very common; usually ease within about 2 weeks of birth
• Postpartum depression: about 1 in 8 people who recently gave birth report symptoms, per CDC
• Most useful single change: Tell your obstetric provider, your primary care doctor or your baby's pediatrician how you are feeling; any of them can start the conversation.
• Commonest mistake: Waiting for symptoms that last more than 2 weeks to go away on their own.
• See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.

The numbers, in one place

In one paragraph

It is common and treatable, but it often goes unreported, and untreated depression affects the parent's health, bonding and the baby's development.

Worth doing

• Tell your obstetric provider, your primary care doctor or your baby's pediatrician how you are feeling; any of them can start the conversation
• Accept practical help with feeding, chores and night shifts so you can sleep
• Ask about talk therapy and medicines; several options are considered compatible with breastfeeding
• Stay in touch with people you trust and look for a local or online postpartum support group

Worth avoiding

• Waiting for symptoms that last more than 2 weeks to go away on their own
• Feeling that asking for help means you are failing as a parent
• Stopping prescribed medicine suddenly without talking to your clinician

Related topics

• The Evidence on Hormones and Mood, Without the Hype (Thyroid and Hormones)
• The Evidence on Men and Mental Health, Without the Hype (Men's Health)
• Teen Mental Health and 988: What Published Guidance Supports (Teen Health)
• The Evidence on Low Mood and Depression, Without the Hype (Mental Health)

Where to go next

• Postpartum Depression for Beginners: Where to Start
• A Q and A on Postpartum Depression
• Postpartum Depression — the reference entry
• Pregnancy and Postpartum: The Complete Guide
• The Evidence on Breastfeeding Basics, Without the Hype
• What the Guidance Really Says About Postpartum Checkups

When to speak to a doctor

See your doctor if low mood, anxiety, trouble bonding, hopelessness or being unable to sleep even when the baby sleeps lasts more than 2 weeks. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call or text 988 or call 911 now; call 911 also for confusion, seeing or hearing things that are not there, or severe agitation.

Where this comes from

• National Institute of Mental Health — Perinatal Depression
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Postpartum Depression
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Get Help

How this page was put together

Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarized or generalized beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.

Medical disclaimer

This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 911.