How long can you have postpartum depression?

Without treatment, depression can last for many months and may have long-term consequences for you and your baby. Research suggests that postpartum depression can interfere with bonding between mother and child, which can lead to behavior problems and developmental delays when your child gets older. read more

A comprehensive review of clinical studies examining postpartum depression carried out in January 2014 has shown that although symptoms of postpartum depression in most women recede over time, for a large number of women, depression remains a long-term problem. read more

It can develop anywhere from a few weeks to a year after delivery, but it's most common in the first three months postpartum. Postpartum depression can be hard to spot, because the moodiness and other symptoms are similar to the "baby blues" -- a short-lived state that affects up to 80% of new mothers, according to the NIH. read more

Postpartum depression can occur any time in the first 12 months after birth. If your doctor says you can only get postpartum depression in the first few weeks or months after birth, he or she is wrong. read more

Symptoms may occur a few days after delivery or sometimes as late as a year later. Women who experience postpartum depression will have alternating good days and bad days. Symptoms can be mild or severe, usually lasting for over 2 weeks. read more