Abstract:Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mental illness that affects new mothers within the first 12 months after giving birth. Identified risk factors associated with PPD are apparent in the everyday life of active-duty military spouses, who face a unique set of circumstances and stressors that accompany the military lifestyle. These challenges can affect prenatal and postpartum spouses in a variety of ways. Significant research highlights both known risk factors of PPD and common difficulties associated with the military lifestyle. Not only does research highlight these two areas, but also how they increasingly affect both spouses and children’s development. Based on the current research regarding PPD risk factors and the exceptional set of challenges regarding the military lifestyle, it could be suggested that military spouses are at an increased risk for PPD based solely on the environment in which they live and operate. Additionally, these mental health outcomes for military spouses directly impact their child’s development and overall family mental health.