Diagnosing extreme stress based on how you cradle your baby

Almost every mom is more stressed than usual in the first months after having a baby. However, if that stress becomes overwhelming, it can lead to a depression -- a condition which can have serious consequences for her relationship with her child.

That's why doctors are looking for ways to recognize signs of high stress levels, so that they can get their patients help before it's too late.

One team of researchers thinks they've found an indicator -- even though the behavior might seem innocuous on the surface. They say that mothers who cradle their babies on their right side are more-likely to be under extreme duress. Previous studies have shown that most women -- whether they're left or right handed -- naturally cradle their baby on their left side, and in this more recent survey, the research team found that moms with high stress cradled their baby on the right 36% of the time (compared with less-stressed moms, who only cradled on the right 14% of time).

Especially because new mothers under extreme stress might not recognize it, or don't want to admit it, these sorts of clues may prove essential in getting these women the help they need.