Brizendine said these daymares afflict about half of new moms and typically last three to six months post-birth.

CNN: When motherhood becomes a nightmare

The overweight women in the study who lost weight post-birth substantially lowered their risk of gestational diabetes compared with those who maintained their weight.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

I'll admit, I was operating on about four continuous hours of sleep a night in the six months post-birth, a far cry from the seven I require to feel rested and better equipped to handle life's demands, parental or otherwise.

CNN: When motherhood becomes a nightmare

Basketball helped her overcome post-partum depression following the birth of her first child.

CNN: Saudi women slam dunk sports taboo

What women really need providing care immediately after birth, during the "post-partum" period.

BBC: What women really need

Solomon overcame her post-natal depression and did not suffer with PND after the birth of her second son Leighton, but although she feels like she can put this all behind her now, she still carries with her feelings of guilt.

BBC: Stacey Solomon: Why I thought I was the 'worst mum'

With 2007 as the largest birth year in U.S. history, even larger than the years of the post-World-War-II baby boom.

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