casseroleI have a friend who's going through postpartum depression now. Her beautiful baby arrived several weeks ago, but she's down in the dumps. Actually, a dump looks happy compared to her. She knows her postpartum depression is getting out of hand

She's called me crying twice this week, and my advice to watch Jerry Springer--it always makes my problems seem smaller--didn't make her feel better. When I suggested she try yoga, she told me to get into downward dog and stay there.

I finally shut up and brought her a casserole. It's terrible to watch her go through it.

Future new mothers may be more prepared for postpartum depression. A new blood may be able to tell us which women are prone to postpartum depression during pregnancy, according to a story on MSN.

Researchers at the University of California found that women who had high levels of placental corticotropin-releasing hormone (pCRH) at 25 weeks into their pregnancies were more likely to experience postpartum depression after their babies were born.

Since 13 percent of all women develop this condition, doctors hope a test like this could become routine care to help prevent it. There are stress-reducing techniques and even medications women can take to get through postpartum depression.

If you're going through this, call your OB right away. She can help. And start connecting with other moms for comfort. Members of the group Moms with Postpartum Depression  know exactly how you feel when well-meaning friends and family members just don't get it.

Have your or a friend dealt with postpartum depression?