Welcoming a new baby is a beautiful and joyous time, but it can also bring unexpected challenges for some new mothers. PPD is a severe form of depression that some mothers experience after childbirth. It’s different from the short-lived “baby blues” that many moms go through; PPD lasts longer and can profoundly affect a mother’s ability to care for her little one and manage daily life.
“Depression is the leading complication of childbirth. Left untreated, it can lead to severe consequences for both mother and child, including suicide and developmental problems for children.” — Dr. Lauren Osborne, Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Women’s Reproductive Mental Health.
Understanding Other Perinatal Mental Health Conditions
During pregnancy and the first year after giving birth, many new mothers can face various mental health challenges. Among these, PPD is just one, and knowing the differences between these conditions is critical to getting the right help.

● Postpartum Blues: Affects up to 80% of new mothers and usually resolves within two weeks. However, if your symptoms are more severe and last longer, you might be dealing with PPD, which needs more attention and care.
● Postpartum Anxiety: This involves excessive worry, restlessness, and physical symptoms like heart palpitations and dizziness.
● Postpartum OCD: Intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours focused on your baby’s safety are signs to watch out for.
● Postpartum PTSD: If your childbirth experience was traumatic, you might experience flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, making it hard to cope with postpartum life.
● Postpartum Psychosis: This is a rare but severe condition involving delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking that require immediate attention.