such as depression, bipolar disorder
or anxiety, a stressful delivery, family
history of mental illness, a poor
relationship with the baby’s other
parent, money problems and a poor
support system.

KAMELEON007/ ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
If you check any of these risk factor boxes,
let your doctor know while you’re still
pregnant so everyone is on the same page.

You can also connect with a therapist
during pregnancy to set up a plan for
after birth. Planning ahead allows time to
research the effect of certain medications
on breastfeeding, set up steps to seek help
and lessen some of the chaos that can
ensue when PPD hasn’t been discussed
and becomes an emergency.

baby when it’s time to change another
diaper or feel unadulterated rage when
the baby won’t go to sleep. Anger can
extend outward to a woman’s partner,
friends, family and even strangers.

OVERWHELM Women with PPD often feel
overwhelmed by motherhood and the
arduous task of parenting. Instead of
recognizing this as a time of change
and transition, they may view it as a
personal failure. They can feel like an
unfit mother because they struggle to
stay on top of cooking, cleaning and
new parenting duties.

SLEEP PROBLEMS
SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP
The old adage, “Sleep when the baby
sleeps” isn’t always feasible for women
with PPD. They struggle to sleep at
night or nap during the day. Or, on the
flip side, all they want to do is sleep, but
it feels like no amount of sleep will help
get them caught up.

Postpartum depression will not just
go away on its own. It is not a “Pull
yourself up by your bootstraps and
power through” type of illness. But
with proper help and guidance, you
can get better. Perinatal mood disorders
are temporary and treatable with
professional help. Speak with an OB/
GYN, a primary care physician or a
therapist. If you don’t have a therapist,
ask your doctor or trusted friends for
a referral or recommendation. Not
every mom needs antidepressants or
anti-anxiety medication, though some
do. Therapists trained in postpartum
mood and anxiety disorders help many
mothers get through this difficult time.

LACK OF CONCENTRATION
Women with PPD have difficulty
focusing on tasks at work or at home.

Completing a simple to-do list can feel
insurmountable. ANXIETY
LACK OF CONNECTION
Women with PPD often feel withdrawn
or like they are not bonding with their
baby. They don’t feel like doing things
with other people and may cancel
plans or avoid phone calls or texts.

PPD sufferers may feel nothing at
all or a total apathy about absolutely
everything. PPD and anxiety often go hand-
in-hand. PPD sufferers may find
themselves afraid to walk down stairs
with their baby or may contrive worst-
case outcomes for every scenario. They
may feel paralyzed by fear.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE
POSSIBILITY OF POSTPARTUM
DEPRESSION SADNESS
Sadness is a more recognizable sign
of depression, but this type feels bone
deep. It feels like it may never end, and
women with PPD fear they will never
feel happy again.

While not every new mom experiences
PPD, mothers (and their babies) are
best off when they consider whether
they have a predisposition for it. Risk
factors include young age, unplanned
pregnancy, previous mental illness
PRACTICE SELF-CARE
Initially, it may seem impossible, but
taking time for self-care is of the utmost
importance. It looks different for each
mom, but in time you’ll find something
that works for you. Ideas include
taking a nap when you can, showering
regularly, reading or journaling, art
therapy, exercise and eating well.

Nutritious meals and snacks help
keep energy levels up and provide the
proper nutrients to get through the day.

This is especially applicable to women
who are breastfeeding. A quick tip is to
always have a snack on hand, such as a
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