Postpartum depression is not at all uncommon. If you feel even slightly sad after the birth of your baby, you're not alone. Postpartum depression affects many women, and often it's not as severe as one might expect. Many women assume postpartum depression is a life-altering condition, and in some cases it is. In others, it only causes a minor inconvenience, but you should bring it up to your doctor either way. There is no clear evidence regarding what causes postpartum depression to occur, but there are proven ways you can try to minimize it after you've given birth. One such way is to alter your diet to include more carbohydrates.

You'll be eager to lose your baby weight as soon as you're a new mom, and combining good nutrition and exercise is an excellent way to do so. However, don't rely on low-carb diets, because carbs are actually an important determinant of your mood postpartum. many studies support the idea that people who are predisposed to clinical depression will experience anxiety and low moods when they restrict carbs from their diet. Even if you are a happy and positive person otherwise, your pregnancy will in fact predispose you to depression. Postpartum depression is just as serious as clinical depression that is genetic or chemical. Therefore, avoiding carbs after you've given birth will send you into a depression more quickly. Of course, loading up on carbs isn't a good idea either, so talk to your doctor and a nutritionist to find a balanced diet plan that will keep your intake well-rounded to includes fruits and vegetables as well. Especially if you're breastfeeding, you'll need to make sure you're getting the proper amounts of protein, iron and other compounds necessary to your baby's development.

Paying close attention to your diet after pregnancy is a good idea for all women, even if you aren't concerned about postpartum depression. Getting back to your healthy weight is important, but making sure your body has all of the vitamins and minerals it needs is even more so. If you're feeling down after you give birth, talk to your doctor immediately so you can work on a solution together. You'll be busy as a new mom, so solving emotional problems in advance will help you focus on taking care of your new bundle of joy and being the mom you've always hoped to be.

Source: Michelle Price Judge et al: Postpartum Depression and the Role of Nutritional Factors. Handbook of Nutrition and Pregnancy Nutrition and Health 2008