
Emotional issues following birth are usually given the vaguely demeaning term of "baby blues", making the condition easy for doctors to dismiss, and leaving women to cope as best they can until it passes. Only now they are often rendered silent, quietly waiting to enjoy what should be the happiest time of their life.
In some cases, the baby blues continue long enough to meet the diagnosis of postpartum depression. Women are then commonly prescribed antidepressant medication and advised to stop breastfeeding so the drugs will not get passed to the baby.
Postpartum depression is a serious condition that is a real concern to many expectant women. Studies are finally being done to discover its roots, but it has not even been considered a valid psychological condition until just recently. As a result, there is much to learn about its causes and any potential cures.