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

Maternal postpartum depression and children's emotional overeating: The mediating role of executive function. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025

Around one-third of new mothers in Hong Kong suffer from postpartum depression, which is significantly higher than the global average of 18%, according to research by the University of Hong Kong. —Clifford Coonan, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025

Climate & Environment Some forms of air pollution may prolong postpartum depression, researchers say Oct. 5, 2024 Residents and environmental groups have complained the permitting process has moved ahead with little to no public involvement and insufficient environmental reviews. —Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024

After her death, Holder’s family members described Pike as having mental and anger issues, including postpartum depression. —Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for postpartum depression

• immunosuppression
• myelosuppression
• accession
• aggression
• compression
• concession
• confession
• digression
• discretion
• expression
• impression
• obsession

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