What should you know about moms with postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression can affect mood, thoughts, sleep, bonding, and daily functioning after birth, and support is available. It is not a sign that you are a bad mother.

You may notice ongoing sadness, numbness, guilt, irritability, anxiety, loss of enjoyment, or feeling disconnected from your baby. Changes in appetite, sleep, concentration, or sexual interest can occur. Intrusive upsetting thoughts can be frightening; telling a trusted person and a clinician allows a safety assessment.

Arrange an appointment with your GP, obstetric clinician, midwife, or mental health professional. Describe when symptoms began and how they affect feeding or rest. Treatment may include talking therapy, practical support, and medicine chosen with breastfeeding and your medical history in mind. Accept help with meals, baby care, and sleep whenever possible.

Get urgent help now if you might harm yourself or your baby, cannot stay safe, hear or see things others do not, or become severely confused. Ask someone you trust to stay with you and contact emergency services or the nearest emergency department. These symptoms need immediate assessment.

Ask which treatment fits your symptoms, what support is available for sleep and feeding, and whether a medicine is compatible with breastfeeding. Ask who to contact outside appointments if your mood or safety changes.