Background & Aim: Postpartum depression endangers the health of mothers in this period. Aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Stressful life events with postpartum depression in women referred to the health centers in Ali-Abad Katol.

Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 200 mothers (2-6 weeks after parturition) who referred to health centers of Ali-Abad Katol city in 2012. Postpartum Depression And stressful event of life was assessed by Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale(EPDS) and Social Readjustment Rating Scale(SRRS) . Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: Result showed that 32.7 percent of mothers experienced Postpartum Depression. About severity and number of stressful events, 8.7 percent was at sever level and 58.5 percent of mothers experienced about 5-9 events. There was meaningful relationship between depression after parturition and stressful event (P<0.001). Also there was meaningful relationship between age, education, ethnicity and number of pregnancy with Postpartum Depression (P<0.05). 

Conclusion: According to the high prevalence of postpartum depression and its relationship with stressful life events, it is suggested that pay attention to the mental health of women. therefore educational and supporting programs and method of depression and stress management should be considered in pregnancy and postpartum periods.