To physicians and other healthcare practitioners:  If you are not asking these questions of each postpartum woman, you do not know how she is feeling:

To postpartum women: If your healthcare provider is not asking you these questions, take this list with you and be sure they know how you are feeling:

• Have you had PPD before?
• Do you have a history of depression?
• Are you sleeping okay when your baby sleeps?
• Any changes in your appetite?
• Are you experiencing anxiety or panic?
• Are you afraid to be alone with your baby?
• Do you feel more irritable or angry than usual?
• Are you worried about the way you feel right now?
• What worries you the most about the way you feel?
• Are you afraid you might lose control?
• Are you afraid of the thoughts you are having?
• Do you wonder if you're a bad mother?
• If you are breastfeeding, how important is that to you?
• Do you ever have thoughts about hurting yourself?
• Do you find it hard to make decisions?
• Does your husband know how you are feeling?
• How do you feel about taking medication if it helps you feel better?
• Are there other stressful events that are impacting the way you feel?
• Is there anything you are afraid to tell me, but think I should know?

Tips for professional and family support: