An estimated 10 to 20 percent of mothers suffer from postpartum depression. Because of conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), concerns about postpartum depression may worsen for some during the darker winter months.

If your baby is due to arrive this winter, don't stress about the possibility of depression. Instead, use the months or weeks before your due date to relax and prepare. Trish Booth, author of "Pregnancy Q&A" (Meadowbrook Press, $10.00 at www.meadowbrookpress.com), offers suggestions for the postpartum period. "Factors that increase the risk of depression center around the lack of support," says Booth. "Cultures that have the lowest rate of postpartum depression have traditions that give a new mother lots of physical and emotional support."

Symptoms of postpartum depression include not being able to sleep when your baby sleeps, anger, irritability and difficulty making decisions. Here are some suggestions that will lower your risk of postpartum depression:

• Have a birth doula.
  Her support will make labor easier and will improve satisfaction with the birth experience.
  
• Enlist a supportive partner.
  If your partner isn't able to be supportive, seek counseling before birth. Gather a support network that you can call upon after the baby is born.
  
• Get physical and emotional support.
  This kind of support will help you make the transition to being a confident mother.
  
• Minimize outside responsibilities.
  Spending time and energy on other responsibilities reduces your resources for the work of the postpartum period.
  
  

You should seek professional advice for treating serious depression. However, if you find yourself generally susceptible to feeling blue, following this advice can help you to enjoy the postpartum period rather than slip into the baby blues. More helpful advice is available in Trish Booth's "Pregnancy Q & A" (Meadowbrook Press, $10; www.meadowbrookpress.com), which offers answers to hundreds of other pregnancy questions.

About ModernMom.com: Modern Mom ( www.modernmom.com) features smart and practical advice on topics such as parenting, finances, career, health, wellness, beauty, entertainment and more. Read more about Pregnancy & Baby at http://www.modernmom.com/category/Pregnancy

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