Depression in moms in their months after giving birth has come up as a major maternal and child health issue. Approximately 1 in 7 women giving birth encounter postpartum depression, which typically starts two or three weeks after childbirth. Postpartum depression is a severe condition, and not the same as the ‘baby blues’, which is a lot milder. Symptoms range from sadness, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, decreased libido, crying episodes, becoming easily irritated and anxiety. Although “baby blues” is much more common, the symptoms of this condition, which usually happen in the 1st few days following childbirth, are a lot less serious and don’t require treatment. Postpartum depression (PPD) can take place up to a year after childbirth, is much more serious, and needs treatment from a healthcare professional.

Infographic by AHealthBlog