It's important to understand the distinction between "Baby Blues" which is extremely common with new moms vs. PPD which is a more serious condition.
As one of our users noted in the forums,
"Baby Blues" is very common (about 75% feel it) and occurs in the first few weeks after birth. Symptoms include crying for no apparent reason, impatience, irritabiltiy, restlenessness and anxiety. These symptoms are briefly unpleasant and usually disappear on their own as quickly as they came and no medical intervention is required.
BUT....and IF....these symptoms get worse and continue months after delivery and include extreme fatigue, deep sense of hopelessness, loss of appetite, insomnia poor concentration, over or under concern for the baby, uncontrollable crying, lack of interest in the baby, feelings of inadequacy, fear of harming yourself or the baby and exaggerated highs or lows, then you could have developed PPD. Keep in mind that there are various levels of PPD and many alternative forms of treatment including counseling, therapy and if necessary antidepressants.