Severe postpartum depression can have a tremendously negative impact on a woman, as well as on her newborn baby. Postpartum depression can steal away some of the excitement and joy that a new mom feels, and can interrupt the bonding process between mother and child. Studies suggest that postpartum depression is frighteningly common, affecting around 1 out of every 8 women at some point during the first six months of their child’s life. When it is not treated sever postpartum depression can even become dangerous.

Experts aren’t entirely certain what causes postpartum depression. It may be that the shifting levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen that takes place during pregnancy and immediately after delivery may trigger postpartum depression. In addition, some of the hormones produced by the thyroid also drop after birth, and these may be at the root of postpartum depression, as well. Regardless of what the exact cause of postpartum depression might be, it is important that a woman who is experiencing severe postpartum depression seek professional help.

When untreated, severe postpartum depression can be dangerous in several ways. A mother with postpartum depression might be agitated, irritable, and listless. In some cases, a mother with postpartum depression may be unable to meet her new baby’s needs for love and attention. She might feel guilty about these things, and this guilt can often intensify the postpartum depression. Some research suggests that untreated postpartum depression can cause the child a variety of problems, such as language delays, trouble with emotional bonding, problems with behavior, trouble sleeping, and a variety of other stressful problems. Some studies suggest that untreated postpartum depression can lead to other more severe problems, such as postpartum psychosis. While not directly linked to postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis is a severe illness that can be recognized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and suicidal or homicidal feelings or impulses.

Fortunately, postpartum depression can be treated. The most successful treatment of post partum depression will likely include a combination of therapy, antidepressant medications, and a social support structure. While it is certainly possible that a woman’s postpartum depression will pass in time, the fact of the matter is that treatment can help keep a woman from losing some of those precious early experiences with her child.

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