Younger women, those with lower educational attainment and women who received Medicaid benefits were more likely to report postpartum depression, according to the CDC.
Women from 17 states were surveyed in 2004 and 2005. The report indicates that women in abusive relationships and those who used tobacco had higher rates of postpartum depression as well.
Another note from the study is that because these women were self reporting and that the info wasn’t confirmed by medical professionals, it may skew a little high. Finally, the study says that the women may be depressed for reasons other than just giving birth.
You can read more on the study here:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwR/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5714a1.htm
Based on this information, does this imply that postpartum depression can be controlled through lifestyle changes? What are your thoughts?