Many new mothers experience the "baby blues" after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings and crying spells that quickly fade. But some new mothers experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression (PPD).
The American Psychological Association (APA) stated that studies estimate 10-15 percent of women may experience a major depressive episode within three months after giving birth.
Early treatment of postpartum depression (PPD) is very important. The sooner treatment starts, the more quickly one will recover, and the less depression will affect the baby. Babies of depressed mothers can be less attached to their mothers and lag behind developmentally in behavior and mental ability, said WebMD.
Treatment of postpartum depression is different depending on the type and severity of a woman's symptoms, wrote MedicineNet.com.
Treatment options include counseling. Mayo Clinic said that it may help to talk through concerns with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional.
Through counseling, women can find better ways to cope with feelings, solve problems and set realistic goals. Sometimes family or relationship therapy also helps.
New York Times Health News (NYT) recommended that women ask their doctors for a mental health therapist referral. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are types of talk therapy that have been found effective for treating postpartum depression.
Antidepressant medications are another treatment for postpartum depression.
For women who are breastfeeding, don't assume that you can't take medication for postpartum depression. Under a doctor's supervision, many women take medication while breastfeeding, wrote MedicineNet.com.
NYT said that there are several types of antidepressant medications that may be given to breastfeeding mothers, including paroxetine, sertraline, and nortriptyline.
Another treatment for postpartum depression is hormone therapy.