risk for postpartum depression. Some of the biological predispositions include those who are sensitive to hormonal changes, have a family history of depression, and/or are currently struggling with mood disorders. Some environmental factors include increased stress, first time mothers, military mothers, mothers of multiples, and younger mothers. What can I do to make sure I do not have depression/anxiety postpartum? Unfortunately, no one can prevent a postpartum mood disorder. However, you can prepare for the possibility and increase your knowledge to help manage it if it does occur. What causes perinatal mood disorders? Many factors, environmental and biological, influence our bodies during such a drastic emotional and hormonal roller coaster. Many biological factors, such as a postpartum hormonal crash, are uncontrollable. However, your environmental factors, such as sleep deprivation, are controllable. How can a family prepare? Although not as easy as packing a hospital bag, there are ways to prepare to support perinatal 33
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