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As many as 1 in 5 moms deal with perinatal mood disorders. But stigma stops many from seeking help.

As many as 1 in 5 moms deal with perinatal mood disorders. But stigma stops many from seeking help.



The birth of a new baby is an exciting time. Family and friends come over to fawn over the new baby. They bring gifts and take turns holding the new addition. But what happens when a mother doesn't feel that same joy—when she feels disconnected from all the excitement around her?
That can be a deeply isolating feeling, but it's far from uncommon. Experts estimate that as many as 1 in 5 women experience mood disorders like depression and anxiety during pregnancy and after giving birth. These feelings in the weeks and months after giving birth were once labeled the "baby blues." 
But Dr. Maria Muzik says there is an important distinction between the "baby blues" and actual perinatal mood disorders.  
"So what is the baby blues? It’s very common. It’s almost a normative experience of women after the birth," she explained.
Read the full article here. 

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