Welcoming a baby into her home can be one of the most beautiful experiences a mother (and her family) can have. There are many normal emotions that can come up when a baby is born:
- Excitement and joy
- Fear and anxiety
- Sadness or feeling overwhelmed
- Fatigue and irritability from sleep deprivation
The "baby blues" is something that many mothers experience after the birth of a baby. It is estimated that 50 percent of new mothers experience some form of the baby blues. The baby blues can last from a few hours to two weeks and can develop in the first two or three days after delivery. Baby blues are characterized by:
- Mood swings and crying
- Sadness and despair
- Anxiety and irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
When the baby blues are more severe and long-lasting, there may be a form of depression called postpartum depression, which can be more distressing to a mother and her family. Postpartum depression can occur anytime within the first year of giving birth or can occur during pregnancy, post-delivery, post-miscarriage, while weaning from breast-feeding or when adopting a child. Untreated, postpartum depression can last many months or longer. Postpartum depression can be characterized by some or all of the following:
- Depressed mood or severe mood swings
- Excessive crying
- Difficulty bonding with the baby and/or fear of not being a good mother
- Withdrawal from people and activities
- Loss of appetite or increase in emotional eating
- Inability to sleep or excessive sleeping
- Decreased interest and pleasure in activities that normally bring pleasure
- Irritability and anger
- Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
- Decreased ability to think clearly, to concentrate or make decisions
- Severe anxiety and panic attacks (chest pains, rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing)
- Thoughts of harming one’s self or the baby
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Rarely, there can be postpartum psychosis, which can lead to life-threatening thoughts or behaviors which need immediate treatment. Postpartum psychosis is characterized by:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Obsessive thoughts about the baby
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Sleep disturbances
- Paranoia
- Attempts to harm one’s self or the baby
When to call your doctor:
- If the sadness doesn’t fade within two weeks
- Symptoms are worsening or are becoming intolerable
- If your emotions are making it hard to care for the baby or do everyday tasks
- If you have any thoughts about harming yourself or the baby, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
What your family and friends can do:
- Offer emotional support, companionship and help with chores and responsibilities
- Help you seek help if your symptoms are severe or intolerable
What causes or makes someone at risk for the baby blues or postpartum depression?
- History of depression or bipolar disorder
- Previous postpartum depression
- Family history of depression or other mental health disorders
- Stressful events or circumstances (such as being a single mother, having financial difficulties or conflict in the marriage or with family)
- Problems with your health or the baby’s health post-delivery
- Little or no support system
- If the pregnancy was unplanned or unwanted
How are the baby blues and postpartum depression treated?
For the baby blues:
- Rest and good nutrition (avoid alcohol or drugs to self-medicate)
- Help from friends and family
- Reassurance and emotional support
- Time for yourself
- Talking to other new moms
For postpartum depression:
- Medical evaluation
- Therapy with a licensed mental health care provider
- Antidepressants may be recommended
For more information:
