Postpartum depression

Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression 

It's common for new mothers to experience a wide range of emotions after childbirth. Many experience what's known as the "baby blues", feelings of sadness, mood swings, tearfulness, irritability, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed. These symptoms usually begin within 2–3 days after delivery, peak around day 4 or 5, and resolve within two weeks without treatment.

Baby blues symptoms may include:

• Doubting one’s ability to be a good parent
• Feeling pressure to be the “perfect” mom
• A sense of lost identity or reduced self-esteem
• Feeling less attractive post-delivery
• Sleep disturbances and tiredness
• Limited time for self-care

However, when emotional distress is severe, persistent, or begins later, it may indicate postpartum depression,  a serious mood disorder that affects 10–20% of women after childbirth.

Symptoms of postpartum depression can include:

• Depressed mood
• Loss of interest
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Changes in sleep patterns or insomnia (lack of sleep)
• Change in appetite
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Loss of energy or fatigue
• Inability to concentrate or indecisiveness
• Recurrent thoughts of death, which may include thinking about or even planning suicide
• Change in weight or appetite.

Causes Of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is considered a multifactorial disorder, with causes linked to biological, psychological, and social changes that occur during and after childbirth.

One well-established biological factor is the rapid hormonal shift that occurs after delivery. During pregnancy, levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones are significantly elevated. However, within 24 to 48 hours postpartum, these hormone levels drop sharply, which may contribute to depressive symptoms in susceptible individuals.

Hormones involved in breastfeeding, particularly oxytocin and prolactin, also play a role. These hormones promote maternal-infant bonding and influence emotional regulation. Disruption in lactation, early weaning, or low oxytocin levels may impair this bonding and increase the risk for PPD.

However, PPD is not caused by hormones alone. Other critical factors may increase the risk, which are discussed in the next segment.

Planning ahead can make a big difference. 
Explore our Pregnancy Care Plan to stay informed and better prepared from pregnancy to postpartum recovery.
Check Our Pregnancy Plan

Risk Factors For Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is multifactorial, which includes: 

1. Age

• Having a child before the age of 20 years predisposes the woman to PPD.

2. Genetics

• Having a family history of depression or postpartum depression.

3. Emotional factors

• Lack of sleep makes it difficult to deal with even small issues 
• Worried about being able to take care of a newborn 
• Feelings of being less attractive, identity issues, or a lack of sense of control over your life
• A poor relationship with one’s mother.
• Stressful life events like marital conflict, emigration, etc, during pregnancy or after delivery 
  

4. Social factors

• Lack of support from family or friends
• Unemployment, low income, or lack of financial support
• Domestic violence, verbal abuse, etc.
• Intimate partner violence and lifetime history of physical and/or sexual abuse

5. Psychological factors

• History of depression and anxiety, or depression during pregnancy
• A prior episode of PPD 
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Unplanned pregnancy
• Fear of childbirth
• Negative attitude towards the baby
• Preference for a specific infant gender (In some cultures, giving birth to a female child may be associated with increased risk of postpartum depression)
• Childcare stress, such as inconsolable infant crying, difficult infant temperament, or infant sleep disturbance
• Body image dissatisfaction

6. Obstetric factors

• Complications during pregnancy like premature birth, being pregnant with multiples, birth defects, and pregnancy loss. 
• Previous miscarriage

7. Overall health status

• Poor perinatal health, eg, obesity at the time of conception, pregestational or gestational diabetes, antenatal or postnatal hypertension, or infection following delivery
• Rapid alteration of reproductive or thyroid hormones post-delivery. This makes one feel tired, depressed, agitated, etc.

8. Lifestyle choices

• Smoking or drinking excessive alcohol
• Extreme sleep deprivation
• Low sunlight exposure

9. Infant bonding and lactation challenges 

• Difficulty initiating or sustaining breastfeeding
• Early or undesired weaning

Note: These are associated with a higher risk of PPD, likely due to disruption in maternal–infant bonding, not due to hormone deficiencies like low oxytocin or prolactin.

Diagnosis Of Postpartum Depression (PPD)

There is no one specific test that can definitively diagnose PPD. Therefore, doctors diagnose this condition by gathering comprehensive clinical, medical, family, and mental health history, along with an assessment of lifestyle habits:

1. Discussion of symptoms

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, their duration, and severity. They will inquire about your mood, energy levels, sleeping patterns, appetite, and any thoughts of self-harm or harm to the baby.

2. Medical history and physical examination

• The doctor will ask questions about symptoms and medical histories, including drug and alcohol history, smoking habits, and all prescription and over-the-counter medications.

• They may also request blood tests like thyroid profile, complete blood count (CBC), vitamin B12, and serum iron studies to rule out other causes of depression.

3. Psychological assessment

• The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is the most widely used screening tool for PPD.

• It consists of 10 questions assessing mood over the previous 7 days, including suicidal ideation.

• A score of ≥10 indicates possible depression, and ≥13 suggests a higher likelihood of requiring clinical evaluation and possible referral.

Note: While EPDS is a validated screening tool, it is not diagnostic. A positive screen should always be followed by a structured clinical interview to confirm diagnosis and assess for other psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety disorders or bipolar depression.

Specialist To Visit

If you think you may be depressed or not feeling yourself, you should contact a healthcare professional such as:

• General physician
• Psychiatrist
• Obstetrician and gynecologist

A general physician can screen for symptoms early, offer initial support, and refer you to mental health or maternal care specialists.

A psychiatrist provides expert diagnosis and treatment, including counseling and safe medications to manage postpartum depression.

An obstetrician and gynecologist (OB-GYN) monitors emotional well-being during and after pregnancy and coordinates care if symptoms of depression arise.

When to see a doctor?

Immediately contact your doctor if:

• The symptoms last longer than two weeks
• You are unable to manage daily tasks or behave properly
• You've considered hurting your baby or yourself
• Most of the day, you feel incredibly nervous, afraid, and panicked

Book a consultation with our doctors now to discuss your health issues for personalized guidance. 
Talk Now

Prevention Of Postpartum Depression

While postpartum depression may not be completely preventable, being aware of the warning signs and making certain lifestyle and support-based changes can reduce your risk. Here are some simple yet effective tips to help manage your emotional well-being:

Build your support system

• Stay connected with family and friends, don’t isolate yourself
• Plan for help with childcare so you can take breaks
• Attend antenatal and postnatal educational classes to feel more prepared.

Prioritize mental health

• Talk to your doctor if you notice signs of depression, even during pregnancy
• Early counseling and medical support can be started if needed
• Consider therapies like interpersonal therapy (IPT) or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to manage stress and mood changes

Support your emotional well-being, naturally.
Explore our range of Ayurvedic mind care products to help manage stress, improve sleep, and promote mental balance, all gently and naturally.
Browse Mind Care Essentials

Focus on daily wellness

• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet
• Aim for light physical activity and fresh air each day
• Limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine intake.

Get quality rest

• Prioritize sleep and rest whenever possible
• Don’t hesitate to ask for help so you can recover physically and mentally
• Postpartum checkups can help catch early signs of depression; don’t skip them.

Note: If you have a history of depression or if you are taking an antidepressant, tell your ob-gyn or health care professional early in your prenatal care.

Want to understand your journey better?
From mood changes to physical milestones, every phase of pregnancy matters. Read our Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy Care, your companion from prenatal to postpartum.
Click Here To Read

Treatment Of Postpartum Depression

Management of PPD typically involves a stepped-care approach, combining on-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments depending on the severity of symptoms, personal preference, and presence of comorbid conditions.

Non-pharmacological treatment

Psychotherapy is the recommended first-line treatment for women with mild to moderate postpartum depression, especially those who prefer non-medication approaches or are breastfeeding. These include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors. It helps women develop coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and emotional regulation.

• Interpersonal therapy (IPT): IPT is especially effective for PPD. It focuses on resolving interpersonal conflicts, improving communication, and adjusting to new roles and life transitions such as motherhood.

Note: Psychotherapy can be used alone or combined with medication in moderate to severe cases.

Pharmacological treatment

Used in moderate to severe PPD and psychotherapy alone is ineffective or unavailable. Common antidepressants used are:

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): These are the first line of drugs for PPD. Commonly used medications are:

• Citalopram
• Escitalopram
• Fluoxetine
• Paroxetine
• Sertraline 

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): If SSRIs are not effective, then SNRIs are prescribed. These include:

• Desvenlafaxine
• Duloxetine
• Venlafaxine

Other medications:  Medicines such as antidepressants, antipsychotic medicines, mood stabilizers, and benzodiazepines to control your signs and symptoms. Examples include, etc.

Bupropion: May be useful in people with fatigue or sexual side effects from SSRIs (not typically first-line)

Benzodiazepines: These are for short-term use for acute anxiety or insomnia. Examples include:

• Diazepam
• Lorazepam

Antipsychotics or mood stabilizers: Reserved for severe cases or comorbid conditions, such as postpartum psychosis or bipolar depression.

Buying medicines has never been easier. Get genuine medications with guaranteed delivery from Tata 1mg.
Upload Your Prescription

Other treatment options

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): This treatment is an alternative option for women who do not want to take antidepressants while breastfeeding or for those who haven't responded to psychotherapy and antidepressants. A magnetic coil placed on the scalp delivers repetitive magnetic pulses that stimulate specific brain regions, which are underactive in depression.

• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): ECT is a highly effective option for severe, treatment-resistant postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis. During ECT, controlled seizures are induced via brief electrical stimulation under general anesthesia. This leads to neurochemical changes that can quickly relieve severe depressive and psychotic symptoms.

Home-care For Postpartum Depression

Home remedies should not be used in place of professional care for moderate to severe PPD or if there are thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby. Things that can help include:

A balanced diet rich in

• Omega-3 fatty acids  like salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, etc
• Folate and B-vitamins in leafy greens, lentils, whole grains, etc
• Iron and zinc are found in legumes, lean meat like chicken, etc

Consider omega-3 supplements, which have shown benefits in reducing postpartum depressive symptoms.
Buy Them Here

Aromatherapy  and herbal teas 

• Lavender, chamomile, and bergamot oils may help reduce anxiety and improve relaxation.
• Herbal teas like lemon balm, passionflower may aid sleep.

Note: Always discuss supplement or herbal product use with a healthcare provider, particularly if breastfeeding.

Complications Of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression can affect not only the mother, but also the father and infant, with short- and long-term consequences like:

Effect on the mother

• If left untreated, PPD can persist for months or become chronic, increasing the risk of major depressive episodes later in life. 

• It may impair daily functioning, mother–infant bonding, and the ability to care for oneself or the baby.

Effect on the father

• Fathers whose partners experience PPD are at increased risk of developing paternal postpartum depression (PPPD), due to stress, lack of support, and emotional burden.

• Symptoms may include irritability, withdrawal, and depressive moods.

Effect on the infant

• Poor emotional regulation
• Insecure attachment
• Delayed cognitive, language, and social development
• Increased risk for behavioral issues, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety, later in life
• Feeding and sleep difficulties.
  
  

Alternative Therapies For Postpartum Depression

Some alternative approaches may help ease postpartum depression symptoms. But they should always be used alongside and not in place of conventional treatment and care. Therapies that can help with symptoms of PPD include:

1. Bright light therapy

It is an inexpensive therapy that can be done at home and has a low risk of side effects. When you are exposed to this type of light, your brain undergoes a chemical change that improves your mood and reduces symptoms such as fatigue.

2. Acupuncture

It offers great relief from the symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. It regulates the nervous system and enhances blood flow to bring one to a place of calm, inner peace, and strength.

3. Yoga

There is plenty of evidence that suggests yoga can help improve a person’s mood and induce feelings of happiness, positivity, and exhilaration.

4. Massage

A light touch massage or a deeper massage can help relax muscles, improve blood circulation, and reduce stress hormones.

Living With Postpartum Depression

Living with postpartum depression (PPD) can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that it doesn’t last forever. With support, care, and the right tools, many people recover fully and regain their sense of well-being. Tips that can help include:

Take time out to meditate

• Mindfulness meditation and deep breathing exercises can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Yoga, especially postnatal yoga, may improve mood, increase energy, and reduce stress.

Spend some time outdoors

• Getting 20–30 minutes of morning sunlight helps regulate circadian rhythm, boosts vitamin D, and enhances mood
• Low vitamin D is associated with a higher risk of depression
• Also, staying confined to a room or home can affect emotional well-being

Take care of sleep hygiene

• Sleep deprivation worsens mood and emotional regulation
• Nap when the baby naps, reduce screen time before bed, and ask for help during night feeds.

Take help

• Talk openly with your partner, family, or close friends
• Join support groups (online or offline) for postpartum mothers
• Studies show peer support reduces PPD risk, especially in high-risk mothers

Give skin-to-skin contact to your baby

• Engaging in skin-to-skin contact, baby massage, and eye contact strengthens the mother-infant bond
• It also stimulates oxytocin release, which supports mood regulation.
  

Try journaling 

• Writing down thoughts or expressing yourself through art, music, or crafts can help process emotions and reduce depressive symptoms.

Get moving

• Start with daily walks, stretching, or light home workouts (as approved by your doctor)
• Exercise releases endorphins and helps manage mood naturally.

Take professional help

• Talk to a doctor, therapist, or psychiatrist if symptoms persist
• Early treatment can help speed up recovery and improve bonding with the baby.

Tips for family members

• Listen without judgment and let her express her feelings freely
• Help with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, or taking care of the baby
• Encourage her to rest and take short breaks whenever possible
• Watch for worsening symptoms and gently encourage professional help if needed
• Offer to accompany her to doctor or therapy appointments
• Reassure her that postpartum depression is not her fault
• Be patient, supportive, and avoid pressuring her to “snap out of it”
• Limit visitors or distractions if she feels overwhelmed