postpartum depression

noun

: a mood disorder involving intense psychological depression that typically occurs within one month after giving birth, lasts more than two weeks, and is accompanied by other symptoms (such as social withdrawal, difficulty in bonding with the baby, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt)

Strictly defined, postpartum depression is diagnosed by the criteria for major depression—overwhelming feelings of sadness, guilt or worthlessness for at least two weeks—beginning sometime in the month after the baby is born.

—Jill U. Adams

… 10 to 20 percent of new mothers in the United States feel so depressed within six months of childbirth that they have trouble with normal functioning. This is postpartum depression … and it can occur after the birth of any child.

—Andrew Weil

… it turns out that men can also have postpartum depression, and its effects can be every bit as disruptive—not just on the father but on mother and child.

—Richard A. Friedman

—abbreviation PPD compare postpartum blues

Examples of postpartum depression in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the meantime, Burkhard said, patients suffering from postpartum depression should not hold back from asking their doctors about zuranolone. —April Dembosky, CNN, 14 Mar. 2024

Cameron Oaks Rogers Cameron Oaks Rogers is a mental health champion, community curator, and mom of two who is passionate about spotlighting the challenges of pregnancy, postpartum depression, and motherhood that are often unspoken or overlooked. —Hannah Dylan Pasternak, SELF, 7 Feb. 2024

Since giving birth, Ellie has suffered from postpartum depression. —Sarah Maddox, CBS News, 27 Nov. 2023

Rachel Platten is opening up about her experience with postpartum depression — and offering advice to other parents going through the same thing. —Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 21 Mar. 2024

However, only 20% of women are screened for postpartum depression, Wisner said. —Mira Cheng, CNN, 21 Feb. 2024

Her obstetrician said postpartum depression likely caused the weakness and fatigue. —Liz Szabo | Kff Health News, NBC News, 15 Jan. 2024

Women who received doula care had 53% lower odds of cesarean delivery and 58% lower odds of postpartum depression/postpartum anxiety. —Anika Nayak, STAT, 12 Jan. 2024

While the new mother of two wrestles with postpartum depression and the guilt of needing a break from her kids, Eden finds herself without a steady anchor for most of her pregnancy. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

postpartum depression

noun

: a mood disorder involving intense psychological depression that typically occurs within one month after giving birth, lasts more than two weeks, and is accompanied by other symptoms (such as social withdrawal, difficulty in bonding with the baby, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt)

Strictly defined, postpartum depression is diagnosed by the criteria for major depression—overwhelming feelings of sadness, guilt or worthlessness for at least two weeks—beginning sometime in the month after the baby is born.

—Jill U. Adams, Los Angeles Times

Most new mothers feel a little down after their baby is born. For one in ten, however, postpartum depression … can last up to a year and even leave a woman unable to care for her infant.

—Ellen Rapp, Parenting

Doctors typically treat postpartum depression with medication, talk therapy or both.

—Susan H. Greenberg and Karen Springen, Newsweek

Note: Postpartum depression may initially be misdiagnosed as postpartum blues but the symptoms of postpartum depression are more intense and debilitating and last longer than two weeks. While typically affecting mothers, there is evidence that fathers may also experience postpartum depression.

—abbreviation PPD compare postpartum blues