The postpartum period and bipolar disorder: early identification, prevention, and management

Efforts to prevent postpartum episodes of bipolar disorder should include timely identification of at-risk individuals, confirming diagnosis and psychiatric comorbidities, reviewing illness course, and analyzing risk and protective factors, psychoeducation, mitigating risk factors, vigilant monitoring for emerging symptoms of relapse or recurrence, tailoring treatment, assessing breastfeeding safety and compatibility, and addressing safety concerns. Follow-up should continue for several months, as mothers remain at risk of relapse during weaning, resumption of menstruation, and the return to work after maternity leave.