This is a loose term that describes a variety of mood disturbances during the first 12 months after childbirth. Postpartum depression is common, affecting one or two out of every ten mothers. The degree of mood disturbance ranges from mild and transient to bouts of profound depression, fortunately uncommon, that may recur throughout life.

In most cases there’s no apparent cause, though the hormonal and other physiological and emotional upheavals surrounding childbirth are suspected of contributing. In some cases there’s an association with difficult pregnancy or birth; unwanted pregnancy; social problems such as financial worries, isolation, lad housing, poor relationships with partner; past or family history of mental illness.

Symptoms of postnatal depression include:

• anxious, depressed or irritable moods

• sleep disturbances – insomnia or excessive sleeping

• loss of appetite or excessive eating

• disordered digestive function, including nausea, abdominal pain, constipation or dianhoea

• loss of concentration and interest, energy, confidence, libido

• feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, sadness, anger, fear, panic, guilt, shame, exhaustion

• fear of harming baby or partner, or of harm befalling them

• fear of being rejected by partner

• thoughts of suicide.

If any of these symptoms persist, or if you are worried by inexplicable or uncontrollable moods in your baby’s first year, you need help, and the sooner the better. Family doctors, obstetricians, social workers and baby health nurses know how common postnatal depression is, and know how to listen to and advise sufferers with sensitive sympathy. They can arrange referral for treatment, which includes counselling for the mother and the couple and provision of practical and social support. If symptoms are severe, medication and occasionally hospital admission may be needed.

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