Minority Women Experiencing Postpartum Depression in Colorado

One of the most common complications associated with childbirth is pregnancy-related depression. Postpartum Depression (PPD) affects a new mother’s ability to bond with and take care of their baby. When left untreated PPD not only impacts the mother’s health but can also cause behavioral, eating, and sleeping issues for the baby (CDC, 2020). New mothers experiencing PPD have reported feeling stressed, worried, and anxious about their children. New mothers also reported having doubts about their ability to be a good mother. Almost half of the new mothers experiencing PPD will not seek treatment. Minority women are even less likely to seek treatment for PPD because there are fewer providers of color, appointment availability, and lack of time. Effectively treating and managing PPD has benefits for both the mother and baby (Keefe, Brownstein-Evans & Rouland Polmanteer, 2016)