Although, the exact numbers of women who do suffer with depression during postpartum are unknown, researchers believe that this is a common complication during and after a pregnancy for a significant number of women.

Some symptoms of postpartum depression include:

- Insomnia

- A sense of failure

- Constant fatigue

- Emotional numbness

- Trouble concentrating

- Excessive worry over the baby

- Lack of joy, even for the new baby

- Withdrawal from family and friends

- Strong emotional reactions

- Fluctuation in body weight

Since early intervention and treatment can result in a quicker recovery with less emotional pain for the couple, women, their husbands, family, friends and physicians should be aware of the potential development of depression during postpartum so treatment can begin as soon as possible.

Many new mothers do not confess these feelings of internal struggle, since they feel ashamed, guilty or embarrassed, as if in some way they are to blame. They may sense they should be overjoyed and content, since they just delivered a wonderful baby. Yet in reality, they feel depressed. This causes them to worry that they will be found as unfit to raise a child.

Nevertheless, a new mother should never suffer this alone, since there is help. There are various treatment options for women with depression during postpartum. They are useful at home with the assistance of a physician.