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

Hilderbrand even carries a letter in her bag from a reader who kept her novels close after experiencing multiple miscarriages and postpartum depression, and who was later inspired to join a book club. —Carly Tagen-Dye, Peoplemag, 15 June 2024

Rodriguez had to return to work shortly after losing her son, battling both the emotional turmoil that comes from a tragic loss and postpartum depression. —Byruth Umoh, Fortune, 5 June 2024

A lot of these videos still include her cheery and gentle demeanor, touching on silly topics like needing coffee to serious topics like talking about postpartum depression and advocating against cuts to funding for early childhood education programs in New York City. —Sam Delgado, Vox, 6 June 2024

Here, moms could dive deep into their experiences with postpartum depression and anxiety, traumas and other mental health concerns. —Madison Lammert, Journal Sentinel, 5 June 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