iStock/ThinkstockBy DR. JENNIFER ASHTON, ABC News Senior Medical Contributor
The birth of a baby should be a joyous occasion. But not all moms share in this joy.
Postpartum depression affects 15 to 20 percent of new mothers, and half of all postpartum depression cases actually start during pregnancy. Symptoms may include lack of energy, inability to experience pleasure, excessive anxiety and difficulty sleeping.
I’ve seen many women with postpartum depression and I can tell you with certainty that it’s not a matter of being tired or hormonal, and it’s definitely not subtle. Women are sobbing and tearful almost all the time and many feel guilty for not being joyful about their new baby.
If you or someone you know is suffering from postpartum depression, I encourage you to speak to your obstetrician or midwife.
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