postpartum depression

American  

[pohst-pahrtuhm di-presh-uhn] / ˈpoʊstˌpɑrtəm dɪˈprɛʃ ən /

noun

1. Psychiatry. clinical depression in a mother, beginning shortly after giving birth and typically lasting from weeks to months, due partly to the hormonal disruption caused by childbirth and the psychological challenge posed by the sudden change in role and identity: characterized variously by withdrawal, low self-image, failure to bond with one’s infant, lack of motivation, feelings of guilt, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of postpartum depression

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

When 32-year-old Tranyelle Harshman sought help in late 2024 for postpartum depression from Sage Psychiatry Services, a provider in Wyoming, a nurse practitioner named Krista Blough met her in person and prescribed ketamine lozenges for Harshman to take at home.

From The Wall Street Journal

Distinct from postpartum depression and the baby blues, conditions that are pervasive and persistent, D-MER is episodic, flaring and disappearing within minutes, completely related to the act of breastfeeding.

From Slate

“It’s often misattributed to postpartum depression,” says lactation consultant Allison Alexander.

From Slate

This could help not just with pregnancy in general, but also when things go wrong, including postpartum depression, she says.

From BBC

Another thing that I feel like the controversy is proof of is how much of a non-factor postpartum depression is.

From Los Angeles Times