Clinical features of and risk factors for major depression with history of postpartum episodes in Han Chinese women: A retrospective study

•This is the largest research on major depression (MD) in Han Chinese women in the world.•We focus on recurrent major depression with history of postpartum episodes (PPD).•95.0% postpartum major depressive episodes start within 3 months after childbirth.•Severe premenstrual symptoms and more childbirths increase the risk for PPD.•Postpartum periods add to the chronicity and severity of MD with history of PPD.