Having a child is a major life changing event for anyone stepping into parenthood. Every parenting journey is unique and it is normal to experience a mix of emotions. You may feel joy, excitement, anxiety and overwhelm all at once. If this sounds like you, know that you are not alone. These after birth mood changes affect many women and are a key part of overall postpartum mental health.
The birth of a baby can bring about powerful emotions. For many new mothers, it may also lead to the baby blues, a common experience after childbirth. Most new moms experience this to some degree, often marked by mood swings, anxiety, and episodes of crying. These symptoms typically appear within the first few days after birth and may last for a few days to up to two weeks.
However, some mothers experience a more severe condition known as postpartum depression (PPD) or postnatal depression. While PPD can share similar symptoms with the baby blues, it differs in both duration and severity. It is important to understand that experiencing postpartum depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw.
Equally important is recognising the difference between the symptoms of baby blues vs postpartum depression, so proper care can be given.
It is very common for women to feel anxious, erratic and emotionally low in the first week after giving birth or having the “baby blues”. Most women tend to experience this in some form after having their child.
The causes of the baby blues or mood changes after birth are not yet fully understood, but there are several causes that contribute to the condition.
Hormonal changes: Rapid drop in estrogen and progesterone levels after delivery.
Genetic predisposition: You are more likely to experience baby blues if a family member has a history of depression.
Psychosocial stressors: Environmental factors that introduce emotional strain.
Physical stressors: Sleep deprivation, exhaustion, and stress of caring for a newborn.
Here are the typical symptoms of the baby blues commonly experienced by new mothers:
Mood swings
Anxiety
Irritability
Appetite issues
Crying
Reduced concentration
Feeling overwhelmed
Sadness
Trouble sleeping
Many mothers ask how long do baby blues last. For most, baby blues are temporary and symptoms typically improve within a few days to two weeks.
If you are experiencing the baby blues, it is important to know that you are not alone. This can be an overwhelming time, and having support is essential. Reach out to your family, friends, or loved ones if you feel you need help.
If you are a close family member or partner of a new mother, consider offering practical support, such as providing emotional reassurance or helping with daily tasks, to ease the transition into motherhood.
If you are unsure whether you are just experiencing the symptoms of baby blues or postpartum depression, speak to a medical professional during your first postnatal check-up, especially if your symptoms:
Do not fade after two weeks
Continue to worsen over time
Make it difficult to care for your baby
Interfere with everyday tasks
Include thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Seeking help early can make a meaningful difference, and support is available.
Postpartum depression (PPD), also known as postnatal depression, is a type of depression that occurs after you give birth. While it is not known exactly when postpartum depression starts, it can resemble the baby blues at first.
How to know if it is baby blues or PPD, is that the symptoms of PPD are typically more intense, last longer, and can interfere with your ability to care for both yourself and your child. Unlike the baby blues which typically goes away on its own, PPD is a medical condition that requires professional care and is not regarded as a normal part of new motherhood.
Understanding the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression is essential for early support. While common, postpartum depression is not normal and should not be ignored.
While the exact cause of postpartum mood disorders are not fully understood, it is believed to result from a complex combination of factors.
Some causes and contributing factors include:
Genetics: Having a family history of postpartum depression may increase your risk.
Physical changes: After childbirth, hormone levels drop sharply. These hormonal shifts can lead to feelings of fatigue, low mood, and emotional imbalance.
Emotional challenges: Sleep deprivation and the overwhelming demands of new motherhood can contribute to anxiety, stress, and a sense of losing control.
Lack of support: Limited support from family or friends, or a strained relationship with a partner, can increase risk of PPD.
History of mental health issues: Previous mental health conditions, especially depression, may raise the risk of developing PPD.
Many mothers wonder when postpartum depression starts. Symptoms can appear anytime in the first year after childbirth.
Depressed mood or severe mood swings
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Crying too much
Withdrawing from family and friends
Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
Overwhelming tiredness or loss of energy
Less interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
Intense irritability and anger
Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt, hopelessness or inadequacy
Brain fog
Restlessness
Severe anxiety and panic attacks
Fear that you're not a good mother
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
If left untreated, postpartum depression may last for many months or longer.
The baby blues can sometimes turn into postpartum depression. While the baby blues are considered a normal part of early motherhood, factors such as limited support, physical stress, and environmental pressures can cause symptoms to intensify and often worsen.
For this reason, it is important to recognise whether what you are experiencing is temporary baby blues or signs of postpartum depression, so that appropriate support and care can be sought early. Knowing the symptoms of baby blues vs postpartum depression helps families recognise when professional care is needed.
Remember that depression is an illness and being depressed is not any fault of your own and it does not mean that you are a bad parent.
Should you feel overwhelmed, it is important to reach out for help and support.
If you recognise signs that you may be suffering from postpartum depression, get in touch with a medical professional. It can be your primary healthcare provider, obstetrician or gynaecologist, who will then help you find treatment or suggest therapies to help you cope.
Here are some things you can do to help cope with postpartum depression:
Reach out to someone you trust
Consider joining a support group for new parents
Aim to eat healthy meals and find time for exercise
Prioritise time and rest for yourself
Set aside time for self care and social activities
Accept help with household tasks and errands to reduce stress
Postnatal depression can be a distressing experience but there are many approaches to treat the condition. While treatment and recovery time may vary, here are the most common ones:
Psychotherapy: Also known as talk therapy, this helps you find better ways to cope with your feelings and respond to situations positively to improve postpartum mental health. Examples of this include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy.
Antidepressants: Your health care provider may recommend an antidepressant to help with mood. Antidepressants pose little risk for side effects for your baby if you are breastfeeding.
Medication: You may also be suggested short term courses of medicine for treatment for other comorbid conditions with postpartum depression.
If you are feeling depressed after your baby’s birth you may feel reluctant to reach out for help. It is important to know when to seek help for postpartum depression.
Should you recognise the signs of postpartum depression and they are increasing in intensity or if you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, reach out to a medical professional immediately.
New fathers can also experience postpartum depression, known as paternal postpartum depression. Its symptoms are similar to those experienced by new mothers and may include feelings of sadness, overwhelm, anxiety, persistent fatigue, or changes in usual eating and sleeping patterns.
Fathers experiencing financial or relationship difficulties and have a history of depression may be at higher risk of developing postpartum depression. Treatment and support options are largely similar to those offered to new mothers.
If you are a new father and recognise these symptoms during your spouse’s pregnancy or after your child’s birth, it is important to reach out to a medical professional for support.
If you suspect you may be experiencing symptoms of postpartum/postnatal depression, seek help immediately at the 24/7 Accident & Emergency (A&E) Department at Prince Court Medical Centre.
If you are concerned about your risk of PPD, book an appointment today and speak to our obstetricians for a personalised postnatal care plan.
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