For many women, the days after childbirth may not be as exciting and thrilling as they expected during their pregnancy. In the first days and weeks following childbirth, they may experience a stage of "baby blues" accompanied by mood swings, bouts of crying, and heightened anxiety. In some cases, these symptoms become severe and long-lasting, leading to postpartum depression.
Although a common and treatable mental health condition, postpartum depression is often stigmatized, and many women hesitate to seek help, fearing that they will be branded as a "bad mother."
