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Postpartum depression, or PPD, is a type of depression that affects women after they give birth. One out of 8 new mothers has PPD, and it can develop any time up to a year after the baby is born.

Why do new mothers get PPD?

PPD is caused by physical changes in a woman's body after having a baby. A new mother may have a drop in hormones, which are chemicals in the body. It's important to remember that if you have PPD, it is not your fault, and there is nothing you could have done to prevent it from happening.

How can I tell if I have PPD?

There are a number of symptoms that go along with PPD. A woman with PPD may feel sad, lack energy, have no interest in doing things she once liked to do. She may be sleeping or eating much more than usual, or may not be eating or sleeping enough. She may feel worthless, guilty, irritable, or anxious. She may cry a lot, not feel like being with friends or family, or have trouble focusing on things or making decisions. Sometimes, a woman with PPD may have thoughts of hurting herself or her baby, or scary fantasies about bad things happening to her or her baby. If you have these thoughts, it's important to call your doctor right away.

How can MedEdPPD.org help me?

MedEdPPD.org has many resources for women with PPD and their families. There is a simple, easy-to-use online test that can help figure out if you might have PPD. You can learn the top 10 myths about PPD and what the real facts are. You can listen to the experiences of other mothers, or get answers to your questions from experts in the field. There is also information that can help your friends and family learn more about PPD and how they can support you.

We hope you will find this Web site useful in helping you to understand PPD and how you can get help. Remember, with the right care and treatment, you will get better.