You have given birth to a child. There is excitement, no doubt, but with it, your world also shifts. Your body also changes internally. There are some hormonal changes that make you feel heavy, or just a little off. Most people don’t talk about that part. These feelings have two names: the baby blues and postpartum depression. They sound similar, but they’re not the same. Here’s how to tell the difference, what to watch for, and when it’s time to ask for help.
1- Understanding Baby Blues
After you have a baby, it is common that you feel a sudden, little low mood, called baby blues. Most new mothers experience the same. Up to 85% of new mothers experience the same in all regions of the world, regardless of region, age, or race.
The baby blues, or postpartum blues, usually start a few days after your baby is born, often around day two or three. You might notice these feelings while you are still in the hospital or soon after you get home. The emotions are not persistent and can come and go.
What Causes Baby Blues?
The main reason for the baby blues is a sudden change in hormones. After you give birth, your estrogen and progesterone levels drop quickly, which can lead to mood swings. These changes happen fast and can affect how you feel emotionally. However, it is important to note that while these hormonal shifts are biological triggers, one can’t escape them. However, there are also challenges that can impact your mood, such as environmental stressors. With the right understanding of the cause and the differences between factors you can control and those you cannot, you can empower yourself to take rightful actions towards managing your emotional well-being.
It’s not just hormones. It is exhausting to recover from labor pain, and it’s hard to get enough sleep with a newborn because of the care. Taking care of a tiny baby can feel overwhelming at times, and it is especially for those who are new mothers. All of these things contribute to your mood.
Symptoms of Baby Blues
Women with baby blues have mild emotional symptoms. Common signs include:
- Feeling frequent mood swings that change quickly.
- Experiencing periods of sadness or tearfulness
- Worrying about the baby or about being a good parent.
- Feeling irritable or easily frustrated.
- Having trouble concentrating on tasks.
- Struggling to sleep, even when the baby sleeps.
- Feeling overwhelmed by new responsibilities.
- Crying without a clear reason.
These feelings are real and difficult, but most people with baby blues can still care for themselves and their babies. The symptoms are mild and do not disrupt daily life.
How Long Do Baby Blues Last?
The baby blues, for the time being, vanish with time, like within two weeks without treatment. The symptoms start a few days after birth, peak around day five, and get better on their own. These feelings go away on their own.
2- Understanding Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression, or depression after birth, is a more serious condition than the baby blues. Although both feel the same, there are some differences. It affects about 1 in 7 new mothers. While it’s not as common as the baby blues, it’s still something many people go through, and it usually needs treatment from a professional.
Unlike the baby blues, postpartum depression doesn’t go away by itself. Without treatment, it can last for months or even longer, and it can affect both you and your baby. It is necessary to get professional help before it gets severe.
When Postpartum Depression Begins
Postpartum depression can start at different times. PPD develops at any time within the first year of postpartum. However, it most commonly appears within the first six weeks after childbirth. Some women notice symptoms in the first few weeks after birth. Others feel fine initially but develop symptoms months later.
What Causes Postpartum Depression?
Experts aren’t exactly sure what causes postpartum depression, but it’s likely a mix of things. Genetics, hormones, stress, and life changes can all play a part. Like baby blues, hormonal changes also play a role. The rapid decrease in estrogen and progesterone after birth affects brain chemistry. However, postpartum depression includes more complex factors beyond hormones alone. Some risk factors, like genetics, cannot be changed, but there are modifiable factors that can be addressed.
Some things can make postpartum depression more likely. Knowing about these risk factors can help you and your loved ones get extra support if you need it.
- Personal and family history: A history of depression, or depression in your family, increases your risk. Prior postpartum depression also raises your chances.
- Life circumstances: Several life situations contribute to increased risk. These include lack of strong support from family and friends (seek support), financial stress or money worries (financial counseling), and relationship problems with a partner (relationship counseling).
- Recent major life stressors, such as the death of a loved one or job loss, and unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, can also increase risk.
- Young maternal age, particularly under 20 years old, is another factor.
- Pregnancy and birth complications: A difficult pregnancy or difficult birth can raise your risk. If your baby has health problems or was born early, you may be more likely to experience postpartum depression.
Other factors: Having bipolar disorder, giving birth to twins or triplets, or having trouble breastfeeding can also increase your risk.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Women with postpartum depression may experience:
Emotional symptoms:
- Chronic sadness or feelings of emptiness that do not go away on their own.
- Feelings of hopelessness about the future.
- Intense guilt or feelings of worthlessness.
- Feelings that you are not a good mother.
- Loss of interest in activities that used to bring pleasure.
- Inability to feel joy or happiness.
Physical symptoms:
- Severe fatigue and lack of energy.
- Significant changes in appetite (eating much more or much less than usual)
- Sleep problems beyond normal newborn care (inability to sleep even when the baby sleeps, or sleeping too much)
- Physical aches and pains with no clear medical cause
Cognitive symptoms:
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Trouble thinking clearly
- Confusion along with memory problems
Behavioral symptoms:
- Withdrawal from family members and friends.
- Difficulty bonding with the baby or feeling separated from the infant.
- Avoiding the baby or excessive worry about the baby.
- Anger or irritability that feels out of control.
- Panic attacks or severe anxiety
Severe symptoms:
- Thoughts of harming oneself
- Thoughts of harming one’s own baby
- Thoughts about death or suicide
If you experience these thoughts, seeking immediate medical help is necessary.
Key Differences Between Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression
The differences between baby blues and postpartum depression help new mothers and their families to know when to seek professional help and what the symptoms could be.
Timing
- Baby blues generally start within the first few days after giving birth to a child.
- Postpartum depression can start any time in the first year, but it usually begins in the first six weeks.
Duration
- Baby blues fixes within two weeks.
- Postpartum depression can last for months or even longer if left untreated.
Severity
- Baby blues symptoms are mild and short-lived.
- Postpartum depression is more serious and can seriously interfere with daily life.
Impact on Daily Life
- Baby blues mothers can still care for themselves and their baby despite feeling emotional.
- Postpartum depression makes it challenging for mothers to manage everyday tasks or look after their baby.
Treatment Needs
- Baby blues improve without medical treatment.
- Postpartum depression needs professional intervention and treatment, which often includes therapy or medication.
Treatment for Baby Blues
Baby blues usually go away on their own, but there are steps you can take to help you feel better. These are nutritional diet, family support, adjustment to life with a new baby, etc.
If your symptoms last more than two weeks or start to get worse, reach out to your healthcare provider. It could be a sign of postpartum depression instead of the baby blues.
Treatment For Postpartum Depression
The good news is that postpartum depression usually gets much better with treatment. Most people feel a lot better with the right help. Treatment can include one or more of the following:
Therapies
Psychotherapy is like a workout for your mind. It helps many people with postpartum depression by providing a safe space to talk about their feelings and work through challenges. There are a few different types that can be helpful:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: This approach assists in identifying and changing negative thought patterns. It teaches practical skills for treating symptoms and coping with troubles.
- Interpersonal therapy:This therapy focuses on relationships and life transitions. It helps women manage major life-changing events like becoming a mother and addresses relationship issues that may contribute to depression.
- Psychodynamic therapy:This approach explores deeper emotional issues and past experiences that may affect current mental health.
Treatment for postpartum depression often includes both therapy and medication, but some people with mild symptoms may feel better with just therapy.
Important Messages For New Mothers From Brainpower Wellness Institute
The first few weeks after having a baby are a mix of feelings, like excitement and worry at the same time. It’s a critical time and needs care and attention for mental health. This is because women;s body is adjusting to changes in hormones, routines and sleep. It is common to feel sad, overwhelmed and tearful for no visible reason during this time. It can be hard to tell what you are feeling, whether it is baby blues or something serious like postpartum depression. You don’t have to fight this alone and feel disappointed. With the right support and treatment, you can recover and enjoy time with your baby and family. We have experts who understand your symptoms well and suggest treatment that can reduce these feelings. If you or someone you care about is having symptoms of postpartum depression, reach out to Brainpower Wellness Institute or your healthcare providers. Help is available, and things can get better. Consult our psychiatrists and schedule an appointment for a quick check-in with your therapy provider.
