Postpartum depression (PPD) is a medical condition that many women get after having a baby. It is a serious mental illness that involves the brain and affects behavior and physical health. PPD can happen any time after childbirth, but it often starts within 1 to 3 weeks of having a baby. The exact cause of PPD is unknown, but it is likely due to a combination of physical and emotional factors. Some of the factors that may contribute to PPD include:

• Hormonal changes: After childbirth, hormone levels in a womans body quickly drop back to normal, pre-pregnancy levels. Researchers think this sudden change in hormone levels may lead to depression.

• Physical changes: After childbirth, a womans body undergoes many physical changes that can contribute to PPD. For example, sleep deprivation, body pain, and exhaustion can all contribute to the symptoms of PPD.

• Emotional issues: Emotional factors, such as stress, anxiety, and a history of depression, can also contribute to PPD.

• Genetics: Studies show that having a family history of PPD, especially if it was major, increases the risk of experiencing PPD.

If left untreated, PPD can interfere with mother-child bonding and cause family problems. Mothers may stop breastfeeding, have problems bonding with and caring for their infants, and be at increased risk of suicide. Children of mothers who have untreated PPD are more likely to have emotional and behavioral problems. It is important to identify and treat PPD as quickly as possible.