approximately 80% of all mothers will experience the postpartum "blues;"

between 10-20% of all mothers in the postpartum period will experience a mood disorder which causes significant distress to the mother's personal sense of self, to her relationships or to her daily functioning;

up to ½ of all these postpartum disorders could have been diagnosed or marked for high risk in the prenatal period when treatment may be logistically and emotionally easier to complete;

doulas are in a unique position to notice changes in the mother's affect (expression of mood) as compared with her functioning before the onset of distress;

at particular risk are individuals who have experienced previous episodes of a mood disorder, those with a history of trauma or abuse, and those currently experiencing significant psycho-social stressors;

treatment options for perinatal mood disorders may include medication, psychotherapy, body therapy (such as massage, acupressure, acupuncture, and yoga or qi gong), mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques, trauma treatments (such as EMDR, progressive relaxation exercises, or hypnosis), herbs, homeopathy, amino acid therapy, dietary changes, and other complementary treatments;

a mother should be given enough information to make an informed decision about what is right for her own family on feeding choices, sleeping arrangements, and roles for each family member during her recovery process;

many parents will spontaneously heal over time without professional assistance of any kind; some will not heal properly without assistance.

Mother’s inability to sleep even when the baby sleeps

Significant changes in a mother’s appetite or ability to eat

Frequent sadness or crying

Euphoric or "excited" mood which will not allow a mother to relax

Intense fatigue, which exceeds expected limits

Emotional numbness or apathy toward baby and family

Irritability or tendency toward excessive anger

Difficulty concentrating or excessive indecisiveness

Suicidal thoughts, plans or self-harming behavior

Tell me about your experience of mothering so far: what is the best part? the hardest part?

Some mothers are surprised by feelings they didn’t expect. What has this been like for you?

Some people get so frustrated in overwhelming situations that they consider hurting themselves or wonder if death might be the only way out. Have you ever experienced thoughts like this? What happens when you have those thoughts?

Who can you tell when you feel really happy? Really sad? Really confused?

Attachment is a life-long process that unfolds with time. Some mothers are surprised by the gradual nature of bonding. What has this been like for you?

Some mothers are surprised at the changes in their body after the birth. Has anything been especially interesting for you? What have you experienced that you would like to know more about?

How much sleep have you had over the past week? Who helps you with the baby at night?

When is the last time you went out of your house? Where did you go? What was that like for you? Do you have plans to connect with other mothers in the near future? What groups or activities do you know about?