Whether the pregnancy was planned or unplanned, eagerly embraced or grudgingly tolerated, two things are certain: Having a baby changes your life and motherhood is forever.

For the first week or two after delivery, your moods may swing from joy to sadness, and the tears may flow. You may feel angry at your spouse or partner, your other children, and even at the baby.

These are called the Baby Blues. When the symptoms persist beyond this two-week window, however, you're probably dealing with postpartum depression, a condition that affects about 10 percent of new mothers, according to the National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC).

You may cry, even though you think you should feel happy. It doesn't matter. The tears keep coming. You may feel you have lost, rather than gained — lost your figure, your identity, and your independence. Other symptoms include the following:

• Loss of interest or pleasure in life

• Loss of appetite

• Less energy and motivation

• Sleep difficulties

• Feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty

• Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious

• Losing or gaining weight

• Feeling like life isn't worth living

• Having thoughts about hurting yourself

• Worrying about hurting your baby

Causes

Changes in hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) are probably responsible for postpartum depression. Within 24 hours of delivery, these hormones drop back to normal non-pregnancy levels, leaving your body to adjust to yet another dramatic change. Also, sleep seems a distant dream now, as baby controls everything you do. If you want to be the perfect mom, that added stress only piles more pressure on your tired mind and body.

If you've experienced postpartum depression after a previous delivery, you're more likely to have it again. Other factors predisposing you to postpartum depression include other forms of depression unrelated to the pregnancy, a history of severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and a difficult or unsupportive family situation.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Your obstetrician/gynecologist or physician will likely diagnose postpartum depression based upon your symptoms. It's important to seek treatment both for yourself and for the baby. The time after birth is important for infant emotional development, and a mother who is experiencing emotional stress cannot provide her child with all that's necessary at this critical time.

Taking Action Against Postpartum Depression

Talk with your doctor about how you feel. He may offer counseling and/or medicines that can help. If you are breastfeeding, your baby will be exposed to whatever medications you are taking, and you need to discuss this with your doctor. Sometimes, just finding someone to talk to can help immensely.

Let people help you. You don't have to do everything yourself. The old advice to “Sleep when the baby sleeps” is good advice. Don't use this time to clean house. Rest. Here are some other good tips:

• Keep a journal. This time will never come again. Writing can be good therapy.

• Find the time to take a short walk every day. Just getting outside and moving will do wonders for you.

• If the weather is inclement, take the time to pamper yourself for at least fifteen minutes every day. Soak in the tub, read a magazine, do something for you.

• Find a new moms' group in your area or go online and find one. Sharing your experiences with others who are also going through them can help immensely.

• Avoid making unnecessary major decisions. This merely compounds the stress.

• Realize that, “This too, shall pass.” As your body adjusts and your routines fall into place, you will soon feel better. It helps to understand that you are not alone, and what you are feeling has been felt by millions of women.