Can my postpartum depression affect my child?

Postpartum depression, or depression after giving birth to a baby, can lead to problems within a family if the mood disorder goes untreated. The depression keeps you and your infant from bonding properly. This can lead to behavioral difficulties in your child. Children of mothers with untreated postpartum depression are more likely to have eating problems, emotional outbursts, and hyperactivity. The youngsters are also more likely to have problems learning language.