What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression refers specifically to the type of depression that many women experience after giving birth, with a significant factor being hormonal changes that occur after childbirth. After the delivery of a baby, women's bodies undergo rapid fluctuations in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which can affect mood and emotional well-being.

In addition to hormonal factors, postpartum depression may also involve psychological and social aspects, such as the stress of new parenting responsibilities and adjustments in family dynamics. Symptoms typically include feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, irritability, and a sense of overwhelm, which can impact the mother's ability to care for herself and her baby.

Other choices do not accurately capture the specific nature of postpartum depression. For instance, emotional distress from relationship issues or grieving a loss might lead to different forms of depression but are not defined as postpartum depression. Psychological adjustments after life changes are broader as they can apply to various life events beyond childbirth. Hence, option C provides the most accurate and targeted definition of postpartum depression as it specifically relates to a mother's experience following childbirth influenced by hormonal changes.