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Post-Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression

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Giving birth is one of the most transformative experiences in life. It’s a period marked by a roller coaster of emotions, from the highest highs to the lowest lows. Whether you’re bringing home your first or fourth, the addition of a new family member creates new responsibilities and impacts every family relationship. Add in abrupt hormonal fluctuations, your own physical recovery and the sleep deprivation, and it’s no wonder most new moms describe wild emotions that rise and fall throughout each day. Postpartum depression can happen to any new mom, and it’s essential to be aware of signs and know who to ask for help.

Post-Baby Blues: Common but Short-Lived

Post-baby blues is the commonly used phrase to describe mood changes that occur within the first few days to weeks after childbirth. Mood swings often range from anxiety and sadness to joy, delight and love. Abrupt hormonal fluctuations and adjustments the body undergoes during delivery contribute to these feelings. You’ve also just added a new family member who is completely dependent on others for every need.

Symptoms of the post-baby blues include:

Over 50% of women experience the post-baby blues. Symptoms usually improve within one to two weeks. If not, you may be developing postpartum depression. It’s essential for new parents, caregivers and family members to recognize signs that may indicate a new mom may have postpartum depression.

Recognizing When Post-Baby Blues Evolve into Postpartum Depression

When symptoms persist longer than two weeks, postpartum depression may be taking hold. There’s no clear-cut line between post-baby blues and depression, but essentially, it’s more persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness that make it difficult for a new mom to function.

Common symptoms of postpartum depression include:

New parents, family members and friends need to know and recognize the signs that may indicate a loved one is transitioning into a depressed state.

Who’s at risk?

Anyone who has recently given birth is at risk for developing postpartum depression. About 1 in 8 women will report symptoms of depression within one year of giving birth, and that number grows each year. Postpartum depression does not discriminate based on age, ethnicity or how much money you make each year.

However, some women may be more prone to developing postpartum depression, including those who

Doctors, nurses and other health care professionals who work with new and expecting parents screen for depression symptoms regardless of these risk factors since it can affect anyone.

When and How to Seek Professional Help

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms outlined above for more than one or two weeks, contact your OB/GYN or certified nurse midwife’s office. Don’t wait for your six-week checkup to ask for help. In fact, early recognition leads to earlier interventions, which ultimately mean stronger relationships and outcomes for the whole family.

Postpartum Depression Treatment

There are many types of treatment available for postpartum depression.

Therapy and support groups can help you understand and cope with the challenges of new parenthood. They also help provide a sense of community; postpartum depression is more common than you think.

Self-care is vital. Your newborn has needs, but so do you. It’s not selfish to ask for help so you can rest, nourish your body and engage in physical activity.

Medications, most commonly antidepressants, may be prescribed to help relieve postpartum depression symptoms. Several are safe for use while breastfeeding.

Many women find the best results when different treatments are combined. Effective treatment can lessen the symptoms, bringing hope and joy back into your life.

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All new parents should expect a few days of post-baby blues after giving birth. You should also recognize the signs that may indicate that post-baby blues are turning into more severe symptoms of postpartum depression.  Ask for professional help if you experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. You’re not alone, and even the best parents in the world sometimes doubt their ability to care for their kids. Maternal mental health affects the entire family, community and, ultimately society, so it’s vital to recognize and intervene if you or someone you love is showing signs of postpartum depression.

References

Local and National Resources

Several organizations across the metro are available to new families.

If you or someone you love has thoughts of self-harm, suicide or think you may harm your baby, call

Each major hospital and birthing center has breastfeeding and new mom support clinics.

Call Your OB/GYN or certified nurse midwife’s office, even if it’s after office hours.

Postpartum Support International has chapters in both Kansas and Missouri. Volunteers can provide support and connect you with local resources.

The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline  provides anonymous, 24/7 support. You can also call 1.833.852.6262 (1.833.TLC.MAMA).

The 4th Trimester Project  at NewMomHealth.com has several resources for new parents.

Ask trusted friends and family members for therapist referrals.

Joleen Sams is a family nurse practitioner who lives in Shawnee with her family.

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