4-Month Postpartum Depression: Signs & Causes

You might have heard about postpartum depression (PPD) after birth. Honestly, the first few
weeks are exhausting and your body goes through multiple changes during this time. You are
even learning to take care of a tiny human being. But here’s the thing, postpartum depression
can show up later, sometimes even when you think you’re “past” the tough stage.
A question many new moms ask is:
Can postpartum depression start in the fourth month?
The problem is, yes, its symptoms can show up later in life.
In this blog, you will learn about the main signs of postpartum depression, its reasons and the
methods to cope with it while living a normal life.

Why the Fourth Month?

At around four months postpartum, a lot is happening:

Your baby can crawl now, and is more active and demanding than before
Sleep deprivation is a very important problem that you are constantly facing with all work
load.
Your hormones are still changing.
The initial excitement from family and friends has faded.
If you’re returning to work, the stress piles up.

I remember one of my closest friends saying:

Everyone stopped checking in after the first month. But I was crying more in month four than I
did right after birth.

So yes, the fourth month is actually a common time when postpartum depression can sneak in.

Signs of Postpartum Depression at 4 Months

Not every bad day means depression. But if these feelings stay for two weeks or longer, it might be a red flag:

Signs You May Notice	How It Feels in Real Life
Constant sadness or emptiness	I should be happy, but I feel nothing.
Trouble bonding with baby	You care for your baby but don’t feel that “spark.”
Exhaustion that sleep doesn’t fix	Even after a nap, you feel heavy
Irritability and anger	Getting frustrated at small things — like baby crying or partner forgetting chores.
Feeling guilty about everything	Thinking you are a bad mother and not doing enough for the baby

Postpartum Depression vs. Normal Stress

Many moms confuse normal exhaustion with depression. Here’s a quick table to help you spot the difference:

Normal New Mom Stress	Postpartum
Tired after a bad night of sleep but bounce back with rest.	Persistent tiredness even after sleeping.
Feel frustrated but moments of joy balance it	Joy feels completely missing
Mood keeps changing due to hormonal changes or lack of sleep	Mood remains low for weeks
Still feel connected to your baby most of the time.	Struggle to bond or feel detached from baby.

Causes: Why Does It Happen Later?

Postpartum depression can actually start anytime within the first year of birth. Fourth month is
very crucial due to many reasons.
Some common triggers around this time include:

Weaning or breastfeeding challenges → hormonal shifts.
Returning to work → balancing career and baby.
Sleep regression in babies → constant night waking.
Isolation → less support from family and friends.
Unrealistic expectations → comparing yourself with “perfect moms” online

For me personally, the isolation part hit hardest. Around month four, friends had gone back to
their routines. The texts slowed down. I felt like I had to manage everything myself and that’s
when my anxiety peaked.

What Doctors say about postpartum depression:
According to the doctors of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Postpartum depression can begin anytime during the first 12 months after childbirth. Symptoms
may be delayed and often peak around the 3–6 month mark

What Can Help?

If you think you might be experiencing postpartum depression at four months, here are some
steps that can make a difference:

1. Talk to a Doctor

When you have begun to feel depressed, or you believe you are slipping into depression,
discuss this with your physician. They will assess your symptoms and can send you to a
therapist to assist you.

2. Lean on Your Circle

Discuss your feelings with your partner or any other close friend. Take help from others in
household work and taking care of the baby.

3. Create a Small “Me-Time” Window

Even 20 minutes a day where you do something just for yourself:

A shower without rushing.
Listening to music or walking outside.
Journaling your feelings.

4. Therapy & Support Groups

Postpartum counselling makes you get over the feelings of guilt and depression. You can even join different support groups online or physically, they will help you in sharing your feelings and you can talk to different mothers who are going through the same situation.

5. Medicines

It is possible that your doctor may give you medicines to reduce the depression symptoms.
Even when you are breastfeeding, the doctors normally give safe alternatives.

A Personal Note

When I think back to month four with my own little one, I remember sitting on the couch crying
while holding him. He was smiling at me, but I felt blank inside. The guilt was crushing, “Why
can’t I enjoy this? Am I broken?”
But opening up to my doctor changed everything. She helped me realize that postpartum
depression is not my fault and it is curable with time.
And if you feel like that, then you need not assume that you are the only one.

Things That Help Moms at 4 Months

Practical Help	Emotional Help
Meal trains, grocery runs, babysitting	Honest conversations with partner/friends
Taking naps instead of doing chores	Joining mom groups online
Short walks in fresh air	Therapy sessions
Saying “no” to extra commitments	Reading other moms’ real stories

1. Can postpartum depression start months after giving birth?

Yes, it can start anytime in the first year. Month four is a very common stage.

2. How long does postpartum depression last?

It may take months or even years, without assistance. There are moms who begin to feel better after a few weeks with treatment.

3. Is it different from the “baby blues”?

Yes. The baby blues normally last 2 weeks. The depressive condition after giving birth is more severe and prolonged.

4. Can dads or partners also get depression after birth?

Absolutely. A father too can have paternal postpartum depression.

Final Thoughts

Is it possible to develop postpartum depression in the fourth month then?
Yes, and it is not as rare as you think.
And as long as you have some symptoms of being depressed, then discuss it with your partner
or friends. You should also talk to your doctor about the problem. Disregard not your own signs
of guilt, emptiness and sadness. You are looking after yourself and your baby.