Postpartum Depression Affects More Than Just the Mother

As pelvic floor therapists, we have the privilege of working closely with many mothers during the deeply personal and vulnerable months after childbirth. While we often talk about healing from physical changes, like incontinence, prolapse, or pain, one topic that frequently comes up, sometimes quietly and hesitantly, is how hard things feel emotionally.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common yet misunderstood challenges new parents face. And it doesn’t just affect the person who gave birth. We’ve seen the way it touches entire families, partners, siblings, even the baby and it is important to open the door to a fuller, more compassionate conversation.

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can begin anytime during the first year after childbirth. Unlike the baby blues, which many mothers and parents experience in the first couple of weeks, PPD lingers longer and feels heavier. It can show up as sadness, anxiety, irritability, numbness, or overwhelming fatigue. Some parents feel disconnected from their baby or question whether they’re cut out for parenthood. Others describe feeling like they’re watching their life from the outside.

This isn’t a sign of weakness or failure. It’s a medical condition influenced by hormones, exhaustion, personal history, and the huge emotional shift that comes with becoming a parent.

It affects more than one person

While we should and often focus on mothers, the effects of PPD can ripple outward.

Partners can experience postpartum depression or anxiety too. Studies estimate up to 1 in 10 non-birthing parents experience symptoms, especially when their partner is also struggling. It may look different, like withdrawing, becoming irritable, or burying themselves in work but it’s just as real and just as deserving of care.

Babies can be affected, too, not because their parent doesn’t love them, but because depression can make it hard to be emotionally responsive. This can influence bonding and early development, especially if support is delayed.

Other children in the family may pick up on the emotional changes at home, even if they don’t have the words to describe it. They might act out or become more withdrawn.

The entire family feels it, just like the entire family can heal from it.

What helps

Postpartum depression is highly treatable, especially when recognized early. As pelvic floor therapists, we’re often one of the first providers new parents see regularly after birth. That’s why we keep an eye not just on physical recovery, but also on emotional well-being. When someone tells me they feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or like they’re failing, I listen. We can talk about what’s normal, what’s concerning, and what support options are available.

Some effective approaches include:

• Mental health therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy

• Peer support groups (in person or online)

• Medication, when appropriate

• Sleep support and realistic expectations for rest

• Practical help at home from family, friends, or postpartum doulas

• Pelvic therapy to address physical symptoms that can contribute to emotional distress, especially urinary leakage as it is highly linked to PPD

  
  

It’s never too early or too late to ask for help.

Resources for support

If you or someone you care about is struggling emotionally after birth, please know you’re not alone. There are professionals who care deeply and are trained to help.

Here are some resources to consider:

• Postpartum Support International (PSI):  www.postpartum.net offers a free helpline, provider directory, and virtual support groups

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US): Call or text 988 for immediate support

• Therapy services: Look for therapists who specialize in perinatal or maternal mental health. Psychology Today or the PSI provider directory are good places to start. Ideally they have specialized training and certification that distinguishes them as PMH-C

• Your pelvic therapy provider: We’re here to support the whole person. If we notice signs of emotional distress, we can help connect you with trusted local resources.

  
  

Healing after birth involves the whole person, body, mind, and soul. You deserve support in all those areas. There are providers in all different fields to help you and your family adjust to changes and gain tools for continued success. 

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References

• Paulson, J.F., & Bazemore, S.D. (2010). Prenatal and postpartum depression in fathers and its association with maternal depression: a meta-analysis. JAMA, 303(19), 1961–1969. doi:10.1001/jama.2010.605

• Murray, L., Halligan, S.L., & Cooper, P.J. (2010). Effects of postnatal depression on mother-infant interactions and child development. In: Postpartum Depression: Causes, Consequences, and Interventions. Springer.

• O’Hara, M.W., & McCabe, J.E. (2013). Postpartum depression: current status and future directions. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 9, 379–407. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-050212-185612

• Earls, M.F. (2010). Incorporating recognition and management of perinatal and postpartum depression into pediatric practice. Pediatrics, 126(5), 1032–1039. doi:10.1542/peds.2010-2348