* Try bright-light therapy. Introduced to treat SAD (seasonal affective disorder), this can also help other non-seasonal forms of depression. A 10,000-lux lightbox, used for 30 minutes every day between 7 and 9 o’clock in the morning, can significantly improve mood and other symptoms of depression, with no adverse effects (Am J Psychiatry, 2000, 157: 303-4).

* Consider acupuncture, which works just as well as conventional treatments for major depression - in both acute and maintenance phases. Out of 26 women having acupuncture for eight weeks, 17 were cured and, six months later, three-quarters were still well (Complement Ther Med, 2001; 9: 216-8).

* Take yourself and your baby to a baby-massage class. As mothers with PND often have problems interacting with their infants, a massage class will help them relate to their babies better - possibly though the release of oxytocin and by helping them to better understand their babies’ communication signals.

* If nothing else works, try St John’s wort, which can be as effective or better than a synthetic antidepressant for mild-to-moderate depression, with fewer side-effects (Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr, 2004; 72: 330-43). Also, the supplement does not appear to affect either milk production in mothers or infant growth (J Clin Psychiatry, 2003; 64: 966-8). But, as one side-effect of the herb is photosensitivity, don’t use this treatment with light therapy.

* Have your partner massage you during labour. In one study, this led to less postnatal depression (J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol, 1997; 18: 286-91).