
	Women can experience depression and anxiety before, during and after pregnancy. By learning to recognize and understand Perinatal Mood Disorders (PMD), women can seek support from their family and friends and get medical help.

Thaydra's Story

Thaydra experienced postpartum depression
after the birth of her son. She gave birth to
twins four years later and, despite preventive measures, she suffered again with PPD.

Watch her stories.

Supporters' Corner

Partners can alleviate some of the stress on
the new mother by sharing responsibilities around the house, especially nighttime
feedings.

Allow the new mother to get at least five
hours of uninterrupted sleep every night so
that she can complete a full sleep cycle. Use
this time at night to bond with your baby.

If you begin to feel the toll of losing sleep at night, find help for yourself as well. Learn
other tips to help the new mom in your life.

Q&A

If I have had PMD before, will I get it again
with another pregnancy? How about at other times in my life?

If a woman experiences PMD she has about
a 50 percent to 60 percent chance of having PMD in a subsequent pregnancy. What happens to a woman who has had PPD at other times in her life is not currently clear.
A significant number may develop recurrent depression unrelated to pregnancy.

Times of hormonal change, such as postpartum and the perimenopause periods, may be times of increased risk for
depression for these women.