By Dr. Liji Thomas, MD Reviewed by Benedette Cuffari, M.Sc. Apr 4 2025 New research explores whether routine hormonal contraception after childbirth may be quietly fueling a rise in postpartum depression — and what it means for millions of mothers. Study:  Postpartum Hormonal Contraceptive Use and Risk of Depression . Image Credit: sweet_tomato / Shutterstock.com A recent study published in JAMA Network Open investigates whether the use of hormonal contraception (HC) increases the risk of