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Postpartum Depression

When Should You See a Doctor About Mood Changes After Childbirth?

Stress and low mood are common after childbirth, but postpartum depression lasts longer and is more severe.

Lauren Smith, MAKaren Hovav, MD, FAAP
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP
Updated on January 16, 2026
Featuring Naomi Torres-Mackie, PhDReviewed by Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP | January 16, 2026

Having a child is a big life change, and the body goes through many hormonal changes after delivery. This can naturally cause some mild mood changes for a few days. So when are mood changes considered postpartum depression (PPD)?

In this video, learn the difference between “baby blues” and PPD, and when to see a doctor, according to Naomi Torres-Mackie, PhD, Clinical Psychologist at Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health.

References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Postpartum depression.

Mughal, S., et al. (2022). Postpartum depression. StatPearls.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP
Reviewed by:
Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP
Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.
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