Depression: Managing postpartum depression

Why treat postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression affects both you and your baby. It interferes with your ability to function normally, including caring for and bonding with your baby. Babies of depressed mothers tend to lag behind developmentally in behavior and mental ability.²

On average, untreated postpartum depression lasts 7 months and can continue for at least a year.² With treatment, symptoms improve much more quickly.³ Antidepressant medication and counseling have proven to be equally effective, and some medications are judged to be safe for use during breast-feeding.

Test Your Knowledge

1. I'll get along just fine if I wait out postpartum depression.

1. False
2. True

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Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW	Last Updated: June 30, 2006
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
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