After birth, some new moms go through postpartum depression or baby blues which usually manifests as crying, mood swings, anxiety, and sleeping difficulties among many others. Usually, baby blues last between 2 to 3 days, at most 2 weeks after childbirth while postpartum depression lasts longer.
Postpartum depression can begin during pregnancy until about a year after delivery and it may be mistaken for baby blues at the early stage. The intensity and longevity can affect the mother’s ability to cater for the child and her daily activities. Some of the risk factors for any new mom to experience postpartum depression are a history of depression, having multiple births, difficulty in breastfeeding, unplanned pregnancy.
About 10% of new fathers can also go through postpartum depression also known as Paternal Postpartum Depression. This may result from tiredness, anxiety, and changes in sleep patterns. Young fathers struggling with their finances, relationship problems and a past history of depression are likely to experience postpartum depression. It can be prevented by letting your healthcare provider know of your history of depression so that it can be monitored during and/or after pregnancy.
SOURCE: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617
