1. Why do women get postpartum depression? Is it the same as the 'baby blues?'

Postpartum depression and the baby blues are not the same thing. The baby blues are a normal adjustment period experienced by a majority of new mothers in the first two weeks after birth. Postpartum depression is a persistent depression that interferes with a mother's ability to function on a daily basis and to care for both herself and her child(ren) the way she'd like to.  

There are many different risk factors for these illnesses. They include, but are not limited to:
* Military wives whose husbands are deployed
* Women who've just had multiples
* Women with type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes
* Women who've had a recent major loss or stressful life event, such as divorce, death in the family, job loss, home move, perinatal loss
* Women who have gone through infertility treatments
* Women who are suffering from poverty
* Women who are in abusive relationships
* Women who do not have any social support
* Women who had a traumatic childbirth
* Women with a history of depression, or who've had PPD before

2. Do you know of any support groups that help mothers deal with postpartum depression?

There are support groups all over the United States run by both healthcare providers and women who have survived postpartum depression.  You can find them on Postpartum Progress here:
http://postpartumprogress.typepad.com/weblog/postpartum-depression-support-groups.html
Or on the Postpartum Support International website here:
http://www.postpartum.net/Get-Help/Support-Resources-Map-Area-Coordinators.aspx

3. In your expert view, is a new mother capable of supporting and caring for her newborn if she is suffering from postpartum depression?

As a survivor of postpartum OCD, I can tell you I was able of taking care of my newborn just fine, but I was miserable doing it. I wasn't well. I wasn't happy. I wasn't having the experience I could have had, had I been healthy. I'd hate for people to think that just because someone has a form of postpartum depression or anxiety that they can't do what needs to be done. Many can, it's just that they have to struggle to do it.

4. Is a mother likely to experience postpartum depression for her second child?

A mother can experience postpartum depression or anxiety with any child. You can have it with your second or third and not your first.  You can have it with all of them. It doesn't matter. But, if you have had it before, there is an increased risk you will have it again with subsequent children.

5. What do you think is the most common thread among postpartum sufferers? What are the obvious warning signs?

Postpartum depression is not a one-size-fits all illness, so there is no single common thread. There are a wide variety of symptoms and you don't have to be suffering all of them to have PPD. Here is a link to a piece I wrote about the symptoms many women experience that may be helpful to your readers: The Symptoms of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety (In Plain Mama English)
http://postpartumprogress.typepad.com/weblog/2009/11/the-symptoms-of-postpartum-depression-anxiety-in-plain-mama-english-1.html

6. What supporting role can physicians play in recognizing postpartum depression?

Physicians can play a very important role in recognizing PPD. Whether it's obstetricians or pediatricians, they can be screening their patients for these illnesses. They can inform their patients of the negative effects of not seeking treatment on both mother and baby, should it turn out the mother does have PPD. Physicians can connect their patients with PPD to helpful resources, and they can continue to follow-up to make sure treatments are working and side effects are minimal.

7. What role can the family of a mother play to support her overcome postpartum depression?

Support, support, support. Let her know that PPD is the most common complication of childbirth. Let her know you are SURE it's not her fault, and that you know she is just experiencing an illness that is very treatable. Let her know that she will get better and you will be there for her along the way. If that means cooking meals, offering childcare, sitting with her and letting her vent, helping her get to her healthcare appointments, taking the baby so she can sleep...all these things are vital.