Post-natal depression

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Having a baby can be an emotional and stressful time. After the baby is born, many mothers feel tearful and depressed. This is called postnatal depression (PND) and it affects around one in ten women in the UK. PND can last for anything from a few days to few months. PND is generally divided into three main types:

'Baby blues': This is the most common type of depression. It doesnâ€™t last very long, starting around the third day after birth and going by around the tenth day. Mothers may feel tearful and irritable, but no medical treatment is needed.
Postnatal depression: If the low feelings that many women feel straight after birth donâ€™t clear up, postnatal depression can develop. Women with postnatal depression feel depressed for much of the time, with little sign of it going away. PND can usually be noticed in the first 4-6 weeks after birth, although in some cases, it can take several months to develop. It usually needs to be treated.
Postnatal psychosis: This is a rare, but severe, form of depression. It develops in about 1 in 1000 mothers. Some of the symptoms are irrational behaviour, confusion and suicidal thoughts. Women with postnatal psychosis often need specialist psychiatric treatment

Although postnatal depression is more common in women, men can be affected too. The birth of a new baby can be a stressful time for both parents. Some fathers feel unable to cope or feel that they arenâ€™t giving the mother all the support she needs. Fathers can also find it upsetting if the new baby is getting all their partnerâ€™s attention.

Postnatal depression in both men and women can put strain on the parentsâ€™ relationship. This can cause the break up of some relationships, which is why it is important to recognise the symptoms early and get treatment.