Anne M. Waller, LCSW-C
(410) 718-BABY
Postpartum Depression is actually one of six distinct mood disorders that can strike without warning after the birth of a baby. PPD is the most common of the six, occurring in 15-20% of all mothers. It can come on anytime during the first YEAR postpartum. It can happen following a difficult or easy pregnancy (or delivery), in women with a history of psychiatric problems or none at all, after the birth of a first or any subsequent babies. There are clear risk factors for becoming depressed after giving birth, but it can also strike women who have none of the risk factors (see "risk factors for PPD").
Risk Factors for PPD
Most Common Complications of Childbirth
Preterm Labor 10% of all mothers
Pre-eclampsia 6.5% of all mothers
Gestational Diabetes 4% of all mothers
Postpartum Depression 15% of all
mothers