Postpartum depression (also known as peripartum depression) may occur due to a few factors including family history of depression or other mental problems, young age of the mother, marital problems and sometimes financial problems as well. Hormonal changes as we have already discussed could be a cause of depression as the levels of hormones drop dramatically right after giving birth.

When a new baby comes in a family, people often get overwhelmed with the excitement and neglect the health of the mother. She is too weak or emotionally inundated to let others know of her mental and physical state. This is sometimes a cause of depression. Irregular sleep patterns, feeling of loneliness and exhaustion are some of the factors that cause postpartum depression.

Depression symptoms sometimes include crying over small things, a feeling of tiredness all the time, loss of interest in everything, sleeplessness, restlessness, anxiety, and irregular eating patterns. You may feel insecure and not capable of looking after your baby and afraid that people are always accusing you of not being a good mother directly or indirectly.

Remember that it is only a passing phase and won’t last forever. So don’t get upset, just deal with the things as you normally would have done and look after your baby like a responsible, happy and satisfied mother.