Start of Main Content
Baby Blues
The baby blues is a common reaction to childbirth that 50-80% of new moms experience. It is characterized by acute sleep deprivation, feeling mildly overwhelmed, uncertain, and weepy in the first two weeks following childbirth. This cluster of symptoms is due to hormonal and emotional fluctuations that emerge following delivery. Generally, symptoms peak 3-5 days after delivery and resolve on their own around two weeks post-delivery. This time frame might extend slightly for mothers who experienced a C-section.Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can affect up to 13% of women after childbirth through the first year postpartum. PPD does not have a single cause, but likely results from a combination of factors. Some of the more common symptoms include:- feeling sad, hopeless, and empty
- feeling moody, restless, or irritable
- significant appetite changes
- lack of feeling or interest toward your baby
- guilt and shame
- isolation
- anger or rage
- thinking about harming yourself or your baby
Postpartum Psychosis
In rare cases, just 1-2 out of every 1,000 births, a woman may develop postpartum psychosis. Postpartum psychosis generally presents within 3 weeks after delivery. It is characterized by delusions, hallucinations, confusion/disorientation, and disorganization in thinking and behavior. Postpartum psychosis will not resolve without intervention and requires immediate evaluation and medication management.Getting Help for Postpartum Mood Disorders
Women may experience the baby blues and/or depression differently with each pregnancy, if at all. If you had postpartum depression after a previous pregnancy, you may be at higher risk of developing PPD again. If you experience any of the symptoms of the baby blues, PPD or postpartum psychosis, it’s important for you to talk to your OB/GYN or primary care provider about how you’re feeling. They can assess your symptoms, determine if you need medication, and refer you to therapy if necessary. Having a baby, and in particular, having your first baby involves some significant changes to your body and your lifestyle. Go easy on yourself. Here are some strategies that may help new moms:- Don’t expect everything to be perfect. It takes time to adjust to all of the physical, mental, and emotional changes that are associated with becoming a parent.
- Try to maintain a well-balanced diet and find some time, no matter how short it is, to get in some physical activity. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you’ll be better able to cope with challenges such as sleep deprivation that can come along with being a new parent.
- Ask for help! It’s easy to think you should be able to do it all, but many times that’s just not realistic. You’re tired and maybe feeling a bit overwhelmed, so take your family and friends up on their offers to assist with errands or housework.
- Don’t let shame or guilt stop you from seeking help for postpartum depression. You are not the first or the last patient that your OB/GYN, primary care or mental health provider have treated for this condition. Remember, help is available!
Learn more about postpartum depression:
National Women’s Health Information Center: http://www.womenshealth.gov/
Parental Stress Line: http://www.parentshelpingparents.org/ phone: 800-632-8188
Online PPD Support group: http://www.ppdsupportpage.com/
Postpartum Progress blog: http://postpartumprogress.com/
Local Resources:
Postpartum Support International of Massachusetts Jewish Family & Children’s Services