Postpartum depression is a common and treatable clinical syndrome whic
h effects up to fifty percent of all women and which can best be consi
dered as a triad of disorders. Postpartum blues, postpartum affective
disorders or major depressions and postpartum psychosis have distinct
symptoms with corresponding implications for social work interventions
and treatment strategies. The role of prevention can be pivotal in te
rms of reducing negative impacts of psychological problems after birth
and minimizing adverse consequences for the new baby and all family m
embers.