For women who have recently given birth, feelings of depression and anxiety are common. The stress and uncertainty of caring for a new baby – especially if it is the family's first child – easily can be overwhelming. This is normal. Medical statistics show that up to 80 percent of women experience some form of the "baby blues," as others – as few as 10 percent in some estimates or as many as 30 percent in other assessments – suffer from the disease of postpartum depression (PPD).

Assuming the mother does not have a history of depression or a bout with PPD in an earlier pregnancy, the first she probably will learn about PPD is during her prenatal care from her doctor or other health care professional. Since so many women face at least a mild form of depression after giving birth, this is a subject likely to be brought up during early screenings as depression also sometimes begins during the pregnancy.

Preventive Education

When a pediatrician broaches the subject of PPD, both the pregnant woman and her family members should pay attention. Do not dismiss the possibility simply because of the initial elation the family might feel over the impending birth. It is early on when the family can make plans of who to see and what to do should PPD manifest itself.

Community Resources

For this reason, the family should be aware of what resources are available in the community. In addition to her pediatrician or obstetrician, a pregnant woman would do well to have the names of several qualified health care professionals in case they are needed. These can be found through the local hospital or mental health agency. Remember, finding an expert in PPD is not as vital as having a qualified counselor with whom the mother feels comfortable in case they are needed.

Other Sources

In addition to local mental health professionals, there also are associations dedicated to education and treatment of PPD. For instance, the organization Postpartum Support, International (PSI) can provide a list of state coordinators who can help locate a therapist. Another group to contact is Depression After Delivery (DAD).

Finally, an internet search of organizations and health care associations with expertise in PPD will provide many possible contacts. One is the Postpartum Stress Center whose web site contains a number of articles along with advice on dealing with PPD. There are many others. Also web sites for more generic mental health issues provide sections devoted to PPD. The key is not to sit and suffer.

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