Postpartum depression is conceptualized as a predictable developmental, family crisis, which occurs when the natural difficulties of childbirth are benignly mishandled. Tactics are illustrated for interdicting maladaptive interpersonal spirals, including normalizing conflicting complaints; reframing depression as positive but costly; regulating involvement of others in childrearing; restraining new mother from overly rapid resumption of roles; and predicting relapse. (Author/ABL)