Postpartum Depression: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Natural Approaches

By Mercura Wang, Medically Reviewed by Jimmy Almond, M.D.

Postpartum depression is a form of non-psychotic depression that can occur in women soon after giving birth and is the most prevalent psychological post-childbirth condition. According to research, approximately 1 in 7 women may experience postpartum depression.

However, it is believed that it is far more common than the reported data suggests. Also, these statistics only reflect cases involving live births. Some fathers may also experience postpartum depression, but currently, there are no established criteria for postpartum depression in men.

What Are the Different Types of Postpartum Depression?

1. Postpartum Depression in Mothers

During the postpartum period, approximately 85 percent of women experience some form of mood disturbance.

Postpartum depression typically begins within the first month after childbirth, although it can occur anytime within the first year and may last weeks to months. In severe cases, it can become chronic. Clinically, it is similar to depression occurring at other times in a woman’s life, with the same symptoms and diagnostic criteria. However, postpartum depression often includes symptoms related to motherhood and infant care.

There are several distinctive conditions related to postpartum depression:

• “Baby blues”: Around 50 to 85 percent of women experience postpartum blues in the first few weeks after childbirth. Given its prevalence, postpartum blues may be better seen as a normal part of the postpartum experience rather than a psychiatric condition. Symptoms include mood swings, tearfulness, anxiety, and irritability, and they typically peak around the fourth or fifth day after delivery and resolve on their own within two weeks. These symptoms do not impair a mother’s ability to function, and no specific treatment is needed. If depressive symptoms last longer than two weeks, the patient should be assessed for more significant mood disorders.
• Postpartum psychosis: Postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe form of depression involving the sudden onset of psychotic symptoms shortly after childbirth, occurring in around 0.1 to 0.2 percent of all births. Symptoms, which can appear within 48 to 72 hours after delivery, include rapidly shifting moods, confusion, erratic behavior, delusions often centered on the infant, and auditory hallucinations. This condition carries a significant risk of infanticide and suicide, and it is an emergency, necessitating prompt treatment similar to other forms of psychosis.
• Perinatal depression: Perinatal depression encompasses depression that occurs during pregnancy (prenatal depression) as well as in the weeks following childbirth (postpartum depression).

2. Postpartum Depression in Fathers

Paternal postpartum depression affects approximately 10 percent of men between the first trimester and one year after childbirth. Also, 5 to 15 percent develop anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)during pregnancy or within the first year after childbirth.

What Are the Symptoms and Early Signs of Postpartum Depression?

1. Maternal Postpartum Depression:

Early signs: Before experiencing postpartum depression, some women report experiencing milder depressive symptoms that begin during pregnancy.

Symptoms: Postpartum depression can develop when the baby blues persist or when symptoms of depression emerge one or more months after childbirth. It is clinically identical to depression, which occurs at any other time in a woman’s life. Its symptoms include:

• Persistent sadness or low mood
• Frequent crying or tearfulness
• Anhedonia: Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed or would normally bring pleasure, such as bonding with the baby
• Overwhelming feelings of guilt
• Sense of worthlessness or inadequacy
• Constant fatigue or lack of energy
• Disrupted sleep patterns, even when the baby is asleep
• Changes in appetite
• Difficulty focusing or concentrating
• Recurrent thoughts of self-harm or suicide: The mother might believe that both she and the baby would be better off dead. However, these thoughts are rarely acted upon.
• Significant anxiety
• Hypochondriasis: Hypochondriasis is the excess worry of having or developing a serious, undiagnosed medical condition.
• Panic attacks
• Fatigue
• Physical sensations of sluggishness or restlessness, along with feeling jumpy and on edge
• Low self-esteem and self-confidence
• Feeling detached from the baby and/or partner
• Irritability and anger
• Mood swings
• Headaches and body aches
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Isolating oneself from others
• Persistent concern about the baby’s health or safety

A mother suffering from postpartum depression may also struggle to care for herself or her baby and fear being alone with her baby.

If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, one should seek help.

Many may not recognize that they have postpartum depression because it can develop gradually. Signs of depression in new mothers are often overlooked because changes in sleep, mood, energy, and weight are common after childbirth. Additionally, many mothers hesitate to recognize or admit these signs due to societal pressures to meet idealized standards of being a “good mother.”

Women with postpartum depression may have difficulty bonding with their baby, which can lead to emotional, social, and cognitive issues for the child later on.

Without treatment, postpartum depression may either resolve on its own or develop into chronic depression. In one 2020 study, 25 percent of participants continued to experience depression three years after their babies were born. The risk of recurrence is approximately 25 to 33 percent.

2. Paternal Postpartum Depression

Men may not display the typical DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) criteria for depression, so there can be subtle differences in how depression presents and develops in men compared to women. Postpartum depression symptoms in men may include:

• Social withdrawal
• Increased focus on work or other distractions
• Persistent low energy and fatigue
• Lack of motivation
• Disinterest in hobbies and routine activities
• Changes in sleep patterns, weight, and appetite
• Abuse of alcohol and substances
• Frequent headaches and stomachaches
• Increased stress or frustration
• Aggressive or violent behavior
• Impulsive and risky actions
• Significant anger and irritability

What Are the Main Causes of Postpartum Depression?

The exact cause of postpartum depression is still unclear. However, it’s believed that factors such as genetics, hormone changes, psychological and emotional issues, and stressful life events might contribute to its development. This concept, known as the biopsychosocial model of depression, is widely accepted by researchers and clinicians.

1. Maternal Postpartum Depression Potential Causes

• Genetics: Depression often runs in families, which may be linked to genetic factors. As per a 2024 meta-analysis, variants of serotonin and oxytocin genes exhibit the strongest links to postpartum depression compared to other genes.
• Hormone changes: Postpartum depression can be linked to changes in several biological and hormonal systems in the body, such as:
  • Reproductive hormones: The postpartum period involves a rapid drop in sex hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, within the first 48 hours after childbirth. These hormones affect mood regulation, leading some researchers to suggest that they may play a role in postpartum depression. While no consistent link has been found between hormone levels and the condition, it’s believed that some women are more sensitive to these hormonal changes, making them more vulnerable to postpartum depression and other mood disorders related to hormonal shifts.
  • The HPA axis: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a complex system involving three key glands in the body: the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands. It controls the release of cortisol, a hormone that helps the body respond to stress. If the HPA axis isn’t functioning properly, the body may not handle stress well, which could contribute to postpartum depression. During pregnancy, hormones released by the HPA axis increase and stay high for up to 12 weeks after giving birth, which may also impact mood and stress responses.
  • Lactation hormones: Oxytocin and prolactin, the hormones responsible for milk production and breastfeeding, are also linked to postpartum depression. Often, difficulties with breastfeeding and the start of postpartum depression coincide. Low levels of oxytocin, in particular, are common in women with postpartum depression and can lead to early weaning from breastfeeding. Additionally, lower oxytocin levels during the last trimester of pregnancy are connected to higher chances of depression during pregnancy and after childbirth.
  • Thyroid hormones: After childbirth, thyroid hormone levels may drop, which can lead to symptoms of depression. The thyroid gland, located in the neck, helps regulate the body’s energy use and storage from food.

• Psychological factors: A history of depression and anxiety, premenstrual syndrome, a negative attitude toward the baby, disappointment with the baby’s gender, and a history of sexual abuse are ongoing factors that can increase the risk of developing postpartum depression. In addition, a woman may worry about her ability to be a good mother and her perceived loss of physical attractiveness, which can also contribute to the risk.
• Risky pregnancy: A high-risk pregnancy, including emergency cesarean sections and hospitalizations, as well as complications such as umbilical cord prolapse, preterm or low birth weight infants, and low hemoglobin levels, are linked to an increased risk of postpartum depression.
• Social life stressors: Postpartum depression is more common among women who experience marital dissatisfaction or lack strong social support. Additionally, stressful life events (e.g., the loss of a loved one or a baby’s congenital anomalies) during pregnancy or around the time of delivery can increase the risk of developing postpartum depression. Also, new mothers tend to have less time and freedom for themselves.

2. Paternal Postpartum Depression Potential Causes

Paternal postpartum depression can also stem from several factors, including hormonal changes, significant stress and anxiety from new parental responsibilities, relationship issues, and a history of mental health problems. Limited social support, adjustments to new family dynamics, and sleep deprivation due to newborn care also contribute to the risk.

• Hormone changes: A 2017 study suggests that men might experience lower testosterone levels during their partner’s pregnancy. Lower testosterone levels in men could be associated with depression.
• Male gender role stress: One of the most common risk factors for paternal postpartum depression is male gender role stress. Traditional societal norms expect men to be the primary financial providers for their families. Failing to meet these expectations can cause significant stress, which may lead to depression.
• Partner’s mental state: Men are at an increased risk of depression (24 to 50 percent) and anxiety (10 to 17 percent) if their partner experiences psychiatric issues after childbirth.
• Marital distress: The arrival of a new baby can limit the time parents spend together and disrupt their communication, which may lead to psychological distress within the marriage.
• Sleep disturbance: Sleep disturbance often results in fatigue and mental distress.
• Work-family conflict: The stress of balancing work and family expectations can lead to depressive symptoms in men.

Who Is More Likely to Develop Postpartum Depression?

1. Maternal Postpartum Depression

All women can be at risk for postpartum depression, regardless their age, marital status, ethnic background, education, or income level. Even adoptive mothers can experience postpartum depression. Although it’s impossible to predict exactly who will develop postpartum depression, certain risk factors make the following groups more vulnerable to developing the condition than other women:

• American Indians and Alaska natives: The percentage of women experiencing postpartum depression symptoms is highest among Native Americans, at 16.6 percent. Asian women have the lowest percentage, at 7.4 percent.

• Women with a family history of depression
• Women who experienced postpartum depression previously
• Women who were depressed during pregnancy
• Women with a history of sadness or depression related to the menstrual cycle or while taking oral contraceptives
• Women with bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety: Those women are 30 to 35 percent more likely to develop postpartum depression.
• Women experiencing marital issues: Experiences of domestic violence (including sexual, physical, or verbal abuse) can contribute to the development of postpartum depression.
• Obese women: Obese women are more likely to experience higher levels of postpartum depression symptoms compared to women of average weight, while overweight women have intermediate risks.
• Smokers: Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of developing postpartum depression.
• Women younger than 25
• Women who are using alcohol, illegal substances, or misusing pharmaceuticals
• Single mothers
• Women suffering from financial and/or housing problems
• Women having trouble with breastfeeding
• Mothers with a sick or colicky baby: Colic is a pattern of intense crying in otherwise healthy babies. The crying occurs in spells, usually at the same time each day. During a colic spell, the baby may have high-pitched crying or screaming, be difficult to soothe, and may have a red face or pale skin around the mouth.
• Women who experienced childhood abuse or adversity
• Women experiencing first-time motherhood, very young motherhood, or older motherhood

2. Paternal Postpartum Depression

The following groups have a higher risk of developing postpartum depression, including fathers:

• Under the age of 25
• Living a high-stress lifestyle: Work-family conflict may sometimes be involved.
• Having relationship tension with their partners
• Having poor relationship with in-laws
• Who don’t receive support from their own parents
• Who are unmarried fathers or stepfathers
• Suffering from financial stress: Unemployment is a significant risk factor.
• Who feel excluded from the bond between mother and child
• With a history of psychiatric problems
• With low marital satisfaction

Fathers’ depression can also negatively impact the family and children. Children living with fathers who have mental health problems and depression are 33 to 70 percent, respectively, more likely to develop emotional or behavioral issues. Increased paternal depression is linked to higher aggression in young children and delays their behavioral, emotional, and social development.

How Is Postpartum Depression Diagnosed?

1. Screening

All women should be screened for postpartum depression using a validated screening tool during their postpartum visit. Screening can be conducted between 2 to 6 months after childbirth. The most commonly used screening tools are:

• Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS): EPDS is the most frequently used screening tool for postpartum depression. It is a 10-question questionnaire. If the score is 11 or higher, it suggests a higher risk of developing postpartum depression and means that further evaluation by a health care provider may be needed.
• Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS): The initial screening includes seven questions. Patients scoring 14 or higher are given an additional 28-item survey. A total score of 80 or higher strongly predicts major depression.

2. Differential Diagnosis

Other conditions that should be considered when diagnosing postpartum depression include:

• Baby blues
• Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
• Postpartum anxiety, adjustment disorder, or PTSD
• Postpartum psychosis

3. Diagnostic Criteria

Postpartum depression is diagnosed when a person exhibits at least five depressive symptoms out of nine for a minimum of two weeks. These are the same criteria as those for major depressive disorder. According to the DSM-5, postpartum depression is considered a major depressive episode with onset during pregnancy or within four weeks after delivery, rather than a separate condition. To diagnose postpartum depression, symptoms must occur almost daily and represent a significant change from previous routines, including either depression or anhedonia, along with the other five symptoms. These symptoms include:

• Depressed mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping)
• Mental/physical slowness or agitation
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Fatigue
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts and recurrent thoughts of death
• Impaired concentration or indecisiveness
• Significant changes in weight or appetite: weight change of 5 percent or more over one month

4. Tests

The doctor may order several tests, including:

• Blood tests: Blood tests are often used to identify if a condition, such as a thyroid disorder, is causing the symptoms.
• Urine tests: Urine tests are sometimes used to check for a potential source of infection, electrolyte levels, and other disorders as possible causes of symptoms.

5. Diagnosis for Paternal Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression in men is often diagnosed using the DSM-5 criteria despite the lack of a universally accepted diagnosis. Symptoms may also include indecisiveness, irritability, and emotional blunting (i.e., feeling numb to both positive and negative emotions), which can appear up to a year after childbirth. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is often used—however, because men often underreport symptoms due to being less expressive, a lower cutoff score is used for diagnosis. Gathering information from family or friends, asking about increased irritability and physical complaints, and comparing the father’s mental health before, during, and after pregnancy can also help in making the diagnosis.

What Are the Complications of Postpartum Depression?

The potential long-term complications of postpartum depression are similar to those associated with major depression, including:

• Increased risk of suicide and infanticide: These are the two most severe complications.
• Chronic depressive disorder: Untreated postpartum depression often leads to a chronic depressive disorder.
• Impaired ability to care for oneself and the child
• Recurrent episodes of (postpartum) depression: Having one postpartum depression episode increases the risk of future episodes. The risk of a non-childbirth-related recurrence is at least 25 percent, while the risk of another postpartum episode may be as high as 40 percent, with around 24 percent of recurrences happening within the first two weeks after childbirth.

Effects of a mother’s postpartum depression on the child’s development can include:

• Language development delays
• Learning difficulties
• Mother-child bonding issues
• Behavioral problems
• Increased crying or agitation
• Shorter height and higher risk of obesity in preschoolers

What Are the Treatments for Postpartum Depression?

Eighty percent of women with postpartum depression will fully recover. A combination of therapy and antidepressant medications is advised for treating moderate to severe depression. There are several treatment options available, which can also be used for fathers suffering from postpartum depression:

1. Nonpharmacologic Therapies

• Interpersonal psychotherapy: Interpersonal psychotherapy is a type of psychotherapy that aims to alleviate symptoms by enhancing interpersonal relationships and functioning. Its focus in treating postpartum depression is typically centered on the birth of a child. A 2014 review found it to be the best-validated treatment for postpartum depression, with the researcher recommending it to be considered the first-line option.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a practical, short-term psychotherapy that helps clients identify, question, and change problematic thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs. Patients learn how their thinking can contribute to issues like depression and anxiety. CBT aims to reduce these emotional problems by teaching clients to recognize distortions in their thinking, view thoughts as opinions rather than facts, and evaluate situations from different perspectives.
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): ECT is used primarily for severe major depression or bipolar disorder that has not responded to other treatments. It involves administering brief electrical stimulation to the brain while the patient is under anesthesia. A 2023 study found that ECT was effective in treating pregnant women with severe psychiatric disorders. However, women who received ECT had a higher risk of premature birth, and their newborns had slightly poorer conditions.
• Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation uses a series of brief magnetic pulses aimed at the brain to stimulate nerve cells. These magnetic pulses activate neurons in targeted areas and alter the function of the brain circuits involved. Due to the risks of antidepressant use during breastfeeding, this technique can be used as an alternative. This therapy is also considered for patients who have not responded to antidepressants and psychotherapy. Its potential side effects may include seizures, pain at the site of stimulation, mild headache, and dizziness.

2. Antidepressant Medications

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs are the preferred medications for treating postpartum depression:
  • Sertraline or escitalopram are strong first-line options for medical therapy, with sertraline having extensive and reassuring safety research.
  • Fluoxetine and paroxetine, despite an increased risk of neonatal adaptation syndrome, may be considered if they have been effective for an individual in the past.
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors: If SSRIs are ineffective, switching to serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, mirtazapine, or others could be considered.
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs): TCAs may be particularly suitable for women with significant sleep disturbances due to their sedating effects.

Once an effective antidepressant dose is achieved, it is recommended to continue treatment for at least 6 to 12 months or sometimes longer, depending on the patient, to prevent symptom relapse.

3. Neurosteroid Therapy

• Brexanolone: Brexanolone, a progesterone metabolite and analog of allopregnanolone, is the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication for moderate to severe postpartum depression. It is administered intravenously as a continuous 60-hour infusion over about 2.5 days. Clinical trials show that brexanolone is generally well-tolerated and often provides a rapid response in treating the condition. However, breastfeeding is not recommended during and for four days after the infusion. Further clinical trials are needed to evaluate its long-term safety and efficacy.
• Zuranolone: Zuranolone is also an FDA-approved neuroactive steroid similar to brexanolone for treating postpartum depression. It is administered as a 50 milligram (mg) oral dose nightly with a fat-containing meal for 14 days. Zuranolone can be used alone or with oral antidepressants and provides rapid relief, often within hours to days. However, it may impair driving ability due to central nervous system depression and could have harmful effects on the fetus during pregnancy and lactation.

4. Hormone Therapy

Estrogen replacement therapy can sometimes be effective in treating postpartum depression and is often used alongside an antidepressant. However, hormone therapy carries certain risks.

5. Light Therapy

A 2011 study shows that bright white light therapy significantly improves depression during pregnancy. This study suggests that light therapy is a simple, cost-effective, and low-risk treatment option for managing depression during pregnancy, with minimal side effects for the mother and no known risks to the unborn child.

6. Self-care tips:

• Engage a postpartum doula: Postpartum doulas offer families support and information on infant feeding and soothing, recovery from childbirth, and coping skills for new parents. They may also assist with light housework, meal preparation, and helping to integrate an older child into the new family dynamic.
• Get sufficient sleep if possible.
• Exercise regularly: By increasing endorphins and opioids, exercise enhances mental health, improves self-confidence, and strengthens problem-solving skills.
• Follow a healthy and nutritious diet.
• Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs.
• Engage in activities that can delight you.
• Spend time with family and friends.
• Find a support group.
• Don’t try to be perfect in doing everything: It’s absolutely okay to feel overwhelmed. Ask people for help when you need it.
• If religious, talk to a clergy member.
• Consider yoga, meditation, tai chi, or other relaxation methods.
• Create a secure attachment with your baby. The emotional bonding process between mother and child is known as attachment.

How Does Mindset Affect Postpartum Depression?

A mother’s mindset plays a crucial role in the experience and management of postpartum depression.

1. Cognitive Patterns and Self-Perception

• Negative thinking: A mindset focused on negative thoughts and self-criticism can intensify feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness, thus worsening depressive symptoms.
• Perfectionism: Mothers with unattainable standards may feel overwhelmed and perceive themselves as failing, contributing to postpartum depression.

2. Coping Strategies

• Resilience: A resilient mindset helps mothers manage postpartum challenges more effectively, reducing postpartum depression risk or severity.
• Acceptance: Embracing acceptance and self-compassion can relieve pressure on new mothers and help them cope better with motherhood’s challenges.

3. Social Perception and Support

Social withdrawal can worsen postpartum depression, while a mindset that encourages connection can support recovery by reaching out for help.

3. Treatment Outcomes

A mindset open to change and therapy, such as CBT, is crucial for effectively managing and overcoming postpartum depression.

4. Long-Term Outcomes

A growth mindset views the postpartum period as an opportunity for learning and growth, and it can help mothers navigate challenges more effectively, leading to a quicker recovery and a more positive long-term outcome.

What Are the Natural Remedies for Postpartum Depression?

Please consult your doctor before adopting any of the following natural approaches to treat postpartum depression.

1. Medicinal Herbs

• St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum): St. John’s wort has long been used as a treatment for depression and is widely used to treat postpartum depression. A 2022 study using rats found its main effective component, hypericin, as effective as fluoxetine in reducing postpartum depression symptoms.
• Saffron (Crocus sativus): Saffron, the most expensive spice, has been used medicinally for over four millennia. In a 2017 study, mothers suffering from postpartum depression were treated with 15 mg of saffron stigma twice daily, and 96 percent achieved remission from their depression symptoms.
• Magnolia tea: Magnolia tea is made from the bark, flowers, or leaves of the magnolia tree (magnolia officinalis). A 2020 study found that drinking single-ingredient magnolia tea for three weeks improved sleep quality and reduced symptoms of depression in postpartum women.
• Chamomile tea: A 2015 study suggested that chamomile tea might be used as an additional method to help alleviate postpartum depression and improve sleep quality of new mothers.

2. Dietary Supplements

• Blueberry supplement: In a 2024 study published, two-thirds of postpartum participants who took a supplement derived from blueberry juice and extract reported no or only mild symptoms of postpartum blues. In the following six months, those who received the supplement had fewer symptoms of depression, with none reaching the clinical threshold for postpartum depression.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Per a 2018 systematic review, omega-3 fatty acid deficiency, which can occur due to low intake or increased needs during pregnancy and lactation, is a risk factor for postpartum depression. Supplementing with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-rich oil has been shown to reduce depression during pregnancy and postpartum depression. Long-term use of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich oil can help reduce the risk of postpartum depression in healthy women but is not as effective for lactating women. A 2011 study also found that women who took fatty acid supplements during pregnancy had lower depression scores 21 months after giving birth, compared to those who didn’t take the supplements.
• Folic acid: A 2022 meta-analysis of 15 studies concluded that continuous use of folic acid during pregnancy might help lower the risk of perinatal depressive symptoms.
• S-adenosyl-L-methionine: S-adenosyl-L-methionine is a molecule naturally present in the human body that plays a role in processing the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. It is used medically to treat postpartum depression.
• Probiotics: A 2017 study found that women who took the Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 probiotic had significantly lower depression and anxiety scores after giving birth. Therefore, this probiotic may be helpful for preventing or treating postpartum depression.

3. Acupuncture

A 2018 systematic review of three studies found that acupuncture was as effective as antidepressants. A 2019 study found that acupuncture might lower depression scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, but it didn’t show significant effects on other measures such as the EPDS, overall clinical improvement, or serum estradiol levels.

4. Aromatherapy

A 2023 meta-analysis of four studies found aromatherapy to be a safe and potentially effective complementary therapy that could be used alongside conventional treatments for postpartum depression. The essential oils most frequently used to help with depression include lavender, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, bergamot, and rose.

5. Music Therapy

A 2019 meta-analysis found that music therapy could help reduce depression in postpartum mothers—a valuable intervention worth promoting. A 2021 study also found music therapy effective in reducing postpartum depression symptoms.

How Can I Prevent Postpartum Depression?

Although it’s impossible to prevent postpartum depression, the following methods can help reduce the condition’s risk and severity:

• Having good social support from family, friends, and coworkers
• Women who experienced postpartum depression in previous pregnancies may lower their risk of recurrence by starting antidepressant medications after delivery.
• Women with a history of bipolar disorder or puerperal psychosis benefit from prophylactic lithium treatment, which should be started either before delivery (around 36 weeks of gestation) or within the first 48 hours postpartum.
• Talk therapy (such as CBT and IPT) can also be effective in preventing postpartum depression, especially for individuals with significant risk factors.
• Using soothing and sleep-promoting methods for the baby
• Getting enough sleep