Postpartum Depression Causes

There has been no single cause identified for postpartum depression. In fact, many factors can contribute to it. They may include:

• hormonal changes
• disappointment in birth experience
• a sense of loss from no longer being pregnant
• level of marital satisfaction
• caring for a very needy baby
• lack of family and social support
• exhaustion
• family history of postpartum depression
• history of depression

Making the Diagnosis

Postpartum depression is often overlooked because new mothers spend a lot of time alone with their infants, and it may take some time before anyone notices that they're depressed and in need of professional help. Because they get less sleep, most new mothers are generally exhausted anyway, and family and friends may consider the strange or different behavior to be a reaction to being tired and coping with a new baby.
If you're a new mother and experience any of the above symptoms, you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor may wish to investigate the possibility of postpartum depression. Your doctor will want to spend some time discussing the symptoms with you, and may refer you for counseling or psychological support.