About 15% of women suffer from postpartum depression (PPD). It appears, however, that women with PPD constitute a heterogeneous population. Â One difference that we observe clinically is that a subgroup of women with PPD experience [...]
For decades, researchers have postulated a connection between breastfeeding and postpartum depression (PPD). However, the research examining the association between postpartum depression and breastfeeding has been somewhat difficult to interpret. Â While many believe that breastfeeding [...]
![By Vera Kratochvil [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons](https://womensmentalhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Mother_Kissing_Baby-320x202.jpg)
About ten years ago, we ran a collaborative project with our obstetrics department here at MGH where we screened all new mothers for postpartum depression. Â The screening went well. Â Nearly all the women completed the [...]
Stressful life events occurring during pregnancy and the postpartum period have consistently been identified as a risk factor for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Â While we have instruments to assess for stressful life events and [...]
As a field we have focused primarily on the detection of  perinatal mood and anxiety disorders; however, one should be aware of the growing body of literature that suggests that  certain interventions may actually decrease [...]
Vitamin D deficiency is more common than ever, and many experts are concerned that this deficiency may lead to a wide variety of health problems, including depression. Â The active form of vitamin D is produced [...]
Meet Christine. Â She is a married 30-year-old woman who just had her first baby about 3 weeks ago. Â While the pregnancy went smoothly, the experience of labor and delivery was difficult. Â After nearly 20 hours [...]
According to a recent review published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, it is estimated that nearly 31% of women and 26% of men report experiencing some form of intimate partner violence (IPV) in their [...]
 Perinatal loss is a traumatic event for women and their families.  While we clearly understand the potential for perinatal loss to cause significant emotional consequences, we have little data on the prevalence of depressive [...]
Women with bipolar disorder (BD) are at extremely high risk for postpartum psychiatric illness, specifically postpartum psychosis. Â While the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology now recommends that all women be screened for depression during [...]
