For hundreds of thousands of women, the excitement of having a new baby is marred by overwhelming feelings of anxiety and helplessness caused by postpartum depression. The condition robs new parents of happiness during what they rightly expect to be a joyous time.
Sadly, many women experiencing postpartum depression will not receive a medical diagnosis or treatment. Often new moms or their health care providers don’t know the signs of postpartum depression—or don’t recognize them. And most hospitals do not yet have screening policies in place.
In some cases, when new moms know something isn’t right, they feel embarrassed, ashamed or too overwhelmed by the responsibilities of new motherhood to take time to get or ask for help. This is not healthy for them or their babies, which is why it’s important to know the facts about postpartum depression.