--- title: "Postpartum Depression at Sutter Health" description: "Postpartum depression is common but treatable. Learn the signs, how to get support and ways to care for your mental health after giving birth." url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/postpartum-depression" --- 1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Health and wellness](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health) / 3. Postpartum Depression # Postpartum Depression Know the signs and how to get help. * * * August 6, 2025 If you’re having a crisis now, call 988 for the Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Always call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.  Welcoming a [new baby](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/newborn-and-baby-care) is a life-changing experience. But for many new moms, it also brings unexpected emotional challenges. Postpartum depression (PPD) is more than the “baby blues” — it’s a common and serious condition that affects [mental health](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/behavioral-health-care) after childbirth. Knowing what to watch for and when to ask for help can make a real difference.  ## What Is Postpartum Depression?  Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can affect anyone after giving birth. It often starts within the first few weeks but can develop any time in the first year. PPD is not a sign of weakness — it’s a medical condition that needs support and treatment. Always talk to your provider about how you're feeling physically and emotionally at your follow-up appointments after your baby is born. Make sure to reach out to them at any time if you're experiencing symptoms of PPD. ## **Common Signs and Symptoms** If you’re noticing any of the following, talk to your healthcare provider right away:  - Changes in appetite or sleep - Difficulty bonding with your baby - Feeling hopeless or overwhelmed - Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy - Mood swings or frequent crying - Thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby. Put your baby in the crib and call [988](tel:988) right now if you’re having these thoughts. ## Can You Prevent It?  While you can’t always prevent PPD, you can take steps to support your mental health during and after pregnancy: - Ask for help from friends, family or professionals - Eat nutritious meals and stay hydrated - Make time for rest and self-care - Stay connected to your support network - Talk to your healthcare provider about your mental health history  ## Treatment Options  You’re not alone — and treatment works. Options may include: - Counseling or talk therapy - Medication such as antidepressants (safe options are available for breastfeeding) - [Support groups](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/find-event-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_eventType%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Support+Group%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&query=%22postpartum%22&verticalKey=events) for new moms - Lifestyle changes, like regular exercise and sleep routines Always talk with your provider to find what’s right for you.  ## Trusted Resources  Explore these national organizations for more support and information: - [March of Dimes](https://www.marchofdimes.org/ "March of Dimes") - [Postpartum Support International (PSI)](https://www.postpartum.net/ "Postpartum Support International (PSI)")  ## Explore related topics [Pregnancy](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/articles?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Pregnancy%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22builtin.entityType%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Sutter+Health+Page%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=health-and-wellness)[Postpartum care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/articles?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Postpartum+care%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22builtin.entityType%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Sutter+Health+Page%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=health-and-wellness)[Postpartum Depression](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/articles?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Postpartum+Depression%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22builtin.entityType%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Sutter+Health+Page%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=health-and-wellness) ## Care for Every Stage of Life From annual exams to menopause support, our [women’s health](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/womens-health) providers are here to listen with respect and compassion. [Book an Appointment](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22acceptingNewPatients%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5Btrue%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Gynecology%22%2C%22Obstetrics+and+Gynecology%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org","logo":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/static/images/sutter-health-logo.svg","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"2200 River Plaza Drive","addressLocality":"Sacramento","addressRegion":"CA","postalCode":"95833","addressCountry":"US"},"areaServed":{"@type":"AdministrativeArea","name":"California"},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/SutterHealth","https://www.instagram.com/sutterhealth/","https://x.com/SutterHealth","https://www.youtube.com/sutterhealth","https://www.linkedin.com/company/sutter-health","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutter_Health"]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","name":"Postpartum Depression at Sutter Health","description":"Postpartum depression is common but treatable. 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