There is a common expectation for new moms after they have given birth — it is supposed to be a magical time full of bliss and baby coos.
What is not talked about often are the baby blues and postpartum depression. Often the bliss and the tears of joy are not the experience but, rather, sadness and weepiness.
“This sadness is a normal feeling,” said Molly Antoniolli, MD, pediatrician with Endeavor Health. “Up to 80% of new moms feel this way. What’s important is recognizing it and understanding the difference between the baby blues and postpartum depression.”
“Baby Blues” symptoms can include:
- Exhaustion
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Weepiness
- Mild depression
- Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally fragile
These feelings are normal and last up to two weeks after delivery.
“The baby blues are caused by the sudden change of hormones after delivery, stress, sleep deprivation and fatigue,” Dr. Antoniolli said. “When experiencing the baby blues, the biggest distinction is that, although the feelings above may occur frequently, moms are happy most of the time.”
Postpartum depression (also known as perinatal depression) symptoms are different. They’re often more intense, longer lasting and can interfere with daily activities:
- Feeling sad or anxious
- Unable to fall asleep or sleeping too much
- Loss of interest in activities
- Not feeling like yourself
- Unexplained crying
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Changes in appetite
- Easily agitated
- Lack of energy, fatigued
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Inability to make decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Postpartum depression is often used interchangeably with the term perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), which includes depression as well as mood and anxiety symptoms that can affect women during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.
If you experience any symptoms, of the baby blues or postpartum depression for more than two weeks, reach out to your obstetrician. If you are having thoughts of death, suicide, or feel that you are unable to care for your baby, this is an emergency and you must seek help immediately.
Endeavor Health’s Perinatal Depression Program identifies and supports families at risk for perinatal depression. Its free, confidential hotline is available 24 hours a day to patients and their families for information and support. The hotline's number is (866) 364-MOMS (866-364-6667).
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