Postpartum Depression and Baby Blues
Working with moms in a hospital and private practice setting, I have seen all the emotions you feel. There are days that feel good and you love your baby, and then there are days that are tiring and endless and you’re wondering if you can keep going. So many moms feel guilty for feeling sad or not loving their baby right away. I have seen it so many times and I’m here to tell you those feelings are normal and you’re not alone! As a new mama, you may hear people talk about getting the baby blues or postpartum depression, but what’s the difference? How do you know if you just have the baby blues or if it’s postpartum? Are you going crazy for feeling this way? How can you be so sad after you just gave birth? All of these questions are valid. About 60-80% of mothers around the world experience baby blues, so you are not alone! (PSI Manual).
What are the signs and symptoms?
Baby Blues:
mood is irritable or teary
self esteem is unchanged
lack of sleep due to baby, heartburn, or going to the bathroom, but you’re able to fall back asleep
feeling tired, but energy restores itself
feeling joy and enjoying regular activities
appetite increases
no suicidal ideation or intent
starts 2 days - 2 weeks after birth (peaks on days 3-5)
Postpartum Depression:
mood is gloom irritable, agitation, and rage
low self-esteem and guilt
difficulty sleeping (initiating or sustaining sleep)
low energy, fatigue, lack of motivation
not experiencing joy or pleasure with activities you used to enjoy
irregular appetite
suicidal thoughts, plans, or intent
symptoms persist 2 weeks after giving birth
If some of these symptoms resonate with you, don’t panic!! It is okay to be experiencing these symptoms, but it is important to recognize them and get help.
How Do I Get Help?
You are already taking the first step by coming to this website!
If you are experiencing any suicidal ideations, please call 911, 988, or your local ER. This webpage is not designed to respond to emergency outcries, and it is important that you get help right away.
If you are experiencing any of the other symptoms above, start by talking to your doctor or OBGYN. They will be able to provide you with a screening and local resources or medication if needed. You can also check out the resource page for national resources such as support groups. Postpartum Support International has support groups for everything you can think of! They are all online and for FREE. Finding a support group is SO helpful so you can share with other moms who GET YOU. Sometimes it helps to just be heard by people who can empathize and understand what you’re going through. Not all moms experience postpartum, so talking to the ones who do will be able to provide support and advice to help you through. You can also seek professional help by talking to a counselor certified in perinatal mental health. These types of counselors have specific training and are qualified to work with moms experiencing postpartum. You can find one of these providers near you on the Postpartum Support International website as well.
You can also try some coping skills. As a mom, you tend to care for others and not give back to yourself leading to emotional burnout. Find something you love to do and dedicate some time each day to do it. And I know what you are thinking, “I don’t have any time or energy to do something for myself!” It is easy to get lost in the shuffle of being a mom: pumping/feeding, changing diapers, and repeat. Where is the time for you? If you can’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of your little one. Trust me, your baby will thank you for it!! Be creative with your selfcare. You don’t have to stop being a mom to do some self care. Some ideas include taking your baby for a stroller walk outside, watching your favorite tv show while feeding or pumping, reading a book, listening to music or your favorite podcast, go to a mommy’s day out club, do some yoga or meditation while your baby is playing or napping, or take a nap while your baby is napping. Utilize a tribe of people and a support system so you can step away and have some time for yourself as well. It isn’t selfish to do some selfcare.
<3 Michelle
