Depression: Managing postpartum depression

Why treat postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression affects both you and your baby. It interferes with your ability to function normally, including caring for and bonding with your baby. Babies of depressed mothers tend to lag behind developmentally in behavior and mental ability.²

On average, untreated postpartum depression lasts 7 months and can continue for at least a year.² With treatment, symptoms improve much more quickly.³ Antidepressant medicine and counseling have proved to be equally effective, and some medicines are judged to be safe for use during breast-feeding.

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1. I'll get along just fine if I wait out postpartum depression.

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Author:	Jeannette Curtis	Last Updated: June 24, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
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