ABSTRACT
More than 10 per cent of women experience depression after having a baby, which can adversely impact the mother, the family, and the development of the child. Many of these women do not want to take antidepressants and there can be long waiting lists for psychological support, which can also be costly. Exercise can reduce depression in the general population and can also reduce the symptoms of postnatal depression (PND). This chapter provides a case for the role of exercise in alleviating PND. A summary of the current evidence from systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials on this question is presented. This chapter also explores the views of women about how exercise impacts mental health, focusing on the experiences of women who have taken part in an exercise programme while experiencing PND. Practical implications for the promotion of exercise with women experiencing PND are also discussed.
