A bout of depression and tearfulness during the first few days after a baby is born is very common. It is thought to be due to hormonal changes and passes quickly. This is referred to as "the baby blues" and happens to at least half of new mothers.
Puerperal psychosis is the most extreme form of post natal depression; it is quite rare, affecting approximately one in 500 new mothers. It usually starts within the first few weeks after childbirth.
The third form of post natal depression affects about one in ten new mothers, and can occur at any time during the first year.
The first point of contact for anyone experiencing post natal depression is usually midwives, health visitors or GPs.
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