Summertime is becoming an increasingly popular time to welcome a new child. Among the babies born in the United States every year, 35 percent are born from the beginning of June through the end of September, according to the N.J. Department of Health and Senior Services.

But statistics show that for every 8 in 10 births, new mothers will experience at least a brief episode of the “baby blues” — feelings of sadness, anxiety, loneliness or moodiness — within the first few days of giving birth.

After a couple of weeks these symptoms typically disappear. However, when symptoms persist or deepen in intensity, they may be a sign of postpartum depression or another perinatal mood disorder, according to a press release from the state Health Department.

Perinatal mood disorders (PMD) include anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorders and postpartum depression. The depression may be mild, moderate or severe.

In New Jersey, women have numerous resources available to help them overcome the effects of PMD. These disorders can be serious, but they are highly treatable. It is important that a mother gets the support and treatment needed to recover so that she can enjoy her baby. The first step is to ask for help.

Resources include an informational website, www.njspeakup.gov, which provides a comprehensive list of support groups throughoutNewJersey, general advice, fact sheets, and written and video testimonials about personal experiences with PMD from women, their partners and other family members. In addition, the 24/7 toll-free telephone helpline, 1-800-328- 3838, helps with general questions and referrals to treatment services, support groups and counseling.

In Monmouth County, women can contact the Regional Perinatal Consortium at 732-363- 5400 for help.

State health officials point out that New Jersey has been on the forefront in developing resources to help women with PMDs. In 2006, New Jersey enacted the first law in the nation requiring all hospitals and birthing centers to screen new mothers for PMDs. New Jersey is the only state to mandate this type of screening.

Furthermore, in an effort to educate New Jersey women about the signs and resources available for treating PMD, informational palm cards on the signs of PMD are being distributed throughout the state. Locations include hair and nail salons, spas, day care centers, nursery schools, restaurants and other retail establishments.

Any woman who has recently had a baby, ended a pregnancy, or who has stopped breastfeeding, can be affected by PMD. The disorders usually occur within the first year after childbirth, miscarriage or stillbirth, but the signs of depression can also appear earlier — when a woman is pregnant, or even planning to be.

Health officials urge any woman with signs of post-partum depression or other perinatal mood disorders to get help because there is no need for any woman to suffer alone.