Postpartum Depression Health Video

Postpartum depression refers to the clinical depression that can occur in women after childbirth. Learn more about post partum depression, including symptoms and treatments, in this health video.

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Take regular medication after pregnancy
Maintain a good family support system
Talk about your feelings

About this Author

Dr. Ulrich joined On Call Medical Group in 2006. She had previously practiced at Doctors Medical Center in Richmond, Calif., and prior to that worked with the uninsured and homeless population of San Francisco at the Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic. Throughout her medical career, Dr. Ulrich as also been involved in numerous medical research studies. Dr. Ulrich holds a B.S. from Harvard University, an M.P.H. for the University of California at Berkeley, and an M.D. from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

SKYLAR ULRICH, MD: Hi. I'm Dr. Skylar Ulrich. I'm going to talk about postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is an extremely serious condition. This is because it has an effect on both the mother's well being and the newborn baby's well being. Postpartum depression is generally characterized by the onset of changing mood shortly after delivery of the baby. It may start as early as the first 24 hours. It is characterized by loss of interest in activity, extreme sadness, change in interest in usual activities, change in appetite, change in sleep pattern, loss of interest in caring for the newborn child, and also loss of interest in caring for oneself. The treatment of postpartum depression, it's very important that a clinician recognized postpartum depression early on. The role of family members is also very important in recognizing postpartum depression. The diagnosis is by clinical history and by DSM-IV criteria for depression which include loss of interest in activity, extreme sadness, change in appetite, change in sleeping patterns, and loss of self-worth. Prevention of postpartum depression: It's difficult to know who may suffer from postpartum depression. Typically, if the patient has been on antidepressants prior to pregnancy, it is essential to restart the antidepressant in the first 24 hours after delivery of the child to prevent postpartum depression. Having a supportive family, a supportive system, and alternate caregivers also may help new mothers to avoid postpartum depression. How to take action? Talk to your family, talk to your caregivers about feelings you may be having, whether they are feelings of sadness, loss of self-worth, loss of interest in your child, or if you even have a question as to whether you may be suffering from postpartum depression, it's important to seek help early.

Postpartum Depression Health Video

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