Types of postpartum depression include:

• Postpartum blues
• Postpartum depression
• Postpartum psychosis

Postpartum Blues
The baby blues, or maternity blues, usually occur three days after a woman gives birth. The woman feels sad and overwhelmed, but does not have serious symptoms of depression. Up to two-thirds of women suffer from some degree of the maternity blues for few days, to two weeks.

Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a more serious illness that affects about 10 to 15% of new mothers. It usually develops in the first three months following birth. Postpartum depression is also seen more frequently after the birth of premature infants or twins.

Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is the most severe of the postpartum psychiatric conditions, but is also the rarest. This condition affects one in every 1,000 new mothers.

Risk factors for postpartum psychosis include:

• Family history of schizophrenia
• First delivery
• Lack of a husband at childbirth
• Infant death
• Cesarean section
• Low estrogen levels