You have a new baby—a healthy baby with 10 fingers and 10 toes and just a hint of hair. Everyone is delighted. Why are you crying? You're a little depressed, have a hard time concentrating, and can't sleep. These are the baby blues and can be a normal part of having a baby.

But what if you don't feel better in a few weeks? What if you still feel sad and depressed? You may have postpartum depression. It is a disease and can be treated with therapy and medication. It does not mean you are a bad mother.

Symptoms include:

• Feeling worthless, guilty, or disconnected from your baby

"We've had women describe feeling depressed postpartum and report having difficulty connecting emotionally with their baby," says Scott Stuart, MD, director of the UI Women's Wellness and Counseling Service.

The service offers help to women before, during, and after delivery who experience depression and other psychological issues. Stuart says many women don't want to use drugs during pregnancy or while nursing. "There are many types of treatments for women concerned about medication. We have a wide array of counseling services that work well for depression and anxiety. The main thing is that women should know help is available."

For more information call 319-356-2294.