Postpartum Depression or PPD is not a subject we’ve talked about before on this Silly Phillie® blog. Our focus as a baby gift company is on celebrating pregnancy and birth. However, Postpartum Depression along with the less severe condition of Baby Blues unfortunately is a bi-product of birth for many women.

Just this morning as I was dressing for work I heard Chrissey Teigen being interviewed on a morning news show.  She was talking in great detail about her painful bout with Postpartum Depression and Anxiety following the birth of her daughter Luna Simone. In fact, the April edition of Glamour Magazine  has a cover story on Chrissey’s experience with this painful condition.

Even Celebrities are not immune to Postpartum Depression

Chrissey Teigen leads a charmed life by most standards.  She is absolutely gorgeous, she is a successful model and author, she’s married to John Legend the very talented musician, and she delivered a healthy baby girl. So why did Chrissey become depressed after giving birth?

According to health care experts, Postpartum Depression hits 1 in 7 women following birth. Apparently it doesn’t discriminate and can effect anyone. PPD can happen anytime after childbirth but It often starts 1 to 3 weeks after having a baby. According to the March of Dimes, PPD is a medical condition that requires treatment to get better.

What causes Postpartum Depression?

Experts are not quite sure what brings on PPD. Changing levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone following birth along with Low levels of thyroid hormones are thought to be contributing factors.  In addition, you my be of high risk if you are younger than 20, lead a stressful life, have a history of depression, and have negative thoughts about being a mom.

How does PPD differ from the Baby Blues?

Fit Pregnancy Magazine published an excellent article titled The Difference Between the Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression.  Baby Blues is basically a more common less severe version of PPD.  Some studies indicate that at least 70% of new moms suffer the baby blues following birth. But these feelings usually last for just a few weeks. PPD on the other has more intense emotions and lasts far longer.

Whether you have PPD or are going through a period of the the baby blues, it’s important to understand that these are normal feelings experienced by lots of new moms. You’re not alone and there are many resources to help you work through this emotional phase after giving birth. Postpartum Support International  is a great place to find information on all subjects related to PPD.

I hope this helps.

Phyllis Gordon S’Dao

Owner/Designer