Postpartum Depression: Help for the Baby Blues

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Wish We'd Known: What No One Told Us About the Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression

Most moms don't expect to feel down or depressed after giving birth, yet it's suprisingly common. Here's what we wish we'd known about the baby blues and postpartum depression (17 Photos)

Patty Onderko on May 17, 2012 at 7:22PM

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15 Things We Wish We'd Known About Postpartum Depression

Emma Innocenti/The Image Bank/getty image

a Patty Onderko on Feb 13, 2012 at 1:58PM

Despite the fact that nearly 80 percent of new moms experience the baby blues, most of us still sail through pregnancy expecting to be wowed every minute when our new bundle of joy arrives. But hormones and sleep deprivation can take a serious toll on your mood -- and it helps to be prepared for it. Here are 14 things we wish we'd known about the baby blues and postpartum depression.

It's Extremely Common
The baby blues -- feeling overwhelmed, weepy, anxious, and exhausted immediately after childbirth -- affects up to a whopping 80 percent of new moms, though most of us aren't prepared to feel so low after what is supposed to be the one of the best days of your life. Luckily, the baby blues start to dissolve about two weeks post delivery as your hormone levels start to return to normal. If your dark feelings persist or get worse beyond that point, however, you may be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). PPD affects 10 to 25 of mothers, and is more common in women with a history of depression or mental illness.

Connect with other moms dealing with postpartum depression.