The baby blues is a relatively normal emotional response after giving birth. After giving birth most women are happy. But as her hormones re-adjust to a non-pregnant state the woman may become irritable, cry for no reason, feel sad or confused, have difficulty concentrating and sleeping or a change in appetite. This is a self-limiting condition known as the baby blues or postpartum blues. The baby blues usually occur about three to five days after birth and resolve within approximately 10 day. If the woman’s feelings of sadness, inability to sleep, appetite change, or irritability last more than two weeks or if the woman is unable to function in her role, the woman may be experiencing post-partum depression, which is a serious condition and needs referral to a healthcare provider.
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See All 2 AnswersThere are a few things you can do to help prevent depression after delivery. You can let others help you and not try to do everything yourself when it comes to caring for your newborn. Talk to your partner or someone close to you if you are experiencing depressive feelings. Try to get adequate sleep by resting when your baby does or by asking others to babysit. Don't spend all day in bed, but get dressed and spend time outside to elevate your spirits.
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Dr. Richard W. Ott, MD , OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology), answered on behalf of Intermountain HealthcareSee All 5 AnswersAfter giving birth, when a mom gets home with her baby and the baby's up every three hours wanting to feed, moms don't get a lot of sleep. They have the progesterone hormones still there, and so they have a lot of emotions. They cry easily and are frustrated easily. That usually will only last about six weeks as the baby starts to get into routines and moms start to get some sleep.
But if you're not getting out of bed, you're not taking care of the baby, you want to hurt the baby, you want to hurt yourself, you're not functioning, then you're probably tipping over into postpartum depression, and it needs to be treated.
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Postpartum depression can develop after the birth of any child, not just the first. Some factors that increase the risk of developing postpartum depression are:
- A history of depression, either during pregnancy or at other times
- Postpartum depression after a previous pregnancy
- Having problems in the relationship with a spouse or significant other
- A weak support system or isolation from family and friends
- The pregnancy was unplanned or unwanted
- High life stress, such as a sick or colicky newborn, financial troubles or family problems.
- Physical limitations or problem symptoms after childbirth.
- A family history of depression or bipolar disorder.
- Previous history of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
If a woman had postpartum depression in a previous pregnancy she is at high risk of having it again and counseling might be initiated during the pregnancy as a preventative measure.
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See All 3 AnswersIt helps to know you are not alone. That means to find support for yourself, either with other women who are going through or have gone through the same thing. A support group can be invaluable. See your health care provider and get yourself checked out physically. Medication may be suggested. Don't dismiss the idea right away. For some women with PPD, it is a true life saver and needing it nothing to be ashamed of. It doesn't mean you're weak or damaged or will become an addict.
Here's where to remember it's not your fault! It's your biology, your genetics, your hormones, your pre-pregnancy psychological make-up, your personality, etc., etc., etc. All things that are out of your control. But all things that can be handled. All you can control are your responses and reactions. If you're not responding and reacting to these factors and new stresses in a way that's helpful for you, get professional help and support from others to help you through this difficult time.
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RealAge answeredIf you have postpartum depression (depression after the birth of your baby), call your doctor immediately if:- Your feelings of sadness or feeling "blue" don't go away after two weeks.
- Your symptoms of depression worsen or intensify.
- Your symptoms of depression occur anytime after birth -- even several months later.
- You are having trouble performing essential tasks at work or at home.
- You are having trouble caring for your baby or yourself.
- You have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
- You start hearing or seeing things that other people cannot or develop thoughts that are not based in reality.
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Multiple Sclerosis Foundation answeredIf you have multiple sclerosis (MS), after giving birth you should watch for Postpartum Depression -- Given that depression is common both in MS and in women who have just given birth, it is to be expected that some women with MS will experience changes in mood after having a baby. It may be more likely, in fact, than a reoccurrence of your physical MS symptoms. If you experience post-partum depression, it is vital that you get treatment. Mothers who are breastfeeding should check with their doctor before taking an antidepressant to ensure the medication is safe for their baby. -
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Dr. Polly Dunn, PhD , Psychology, answeredSee All 2 AnswersIn the days and weeks following childbirth, women are especially prone to the baby blues. The baby blues usually subside in about a month, but can include symptoms like tearfulness, difficulty sleeping, irritability, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed by your increased responsibilities. You will probably continue to feel joy and happiness about the birth of your child, but feelings of sadness creep in as well.
For the majority of women, the baby blues will go away on their own after a few weeks. However, for about 10-20% of women these symptoms will develop into something more serious, postpartum depression. Unlike the baby blues, the symptoms of postpartum depression are more severe and longer lasting and may interfere with your ability to take care of your new baby. Without help, mothers can be left feeling depressed, down, and hopeless for months after the birth of their child. A small percentage of women with postpartum depression may even experience thoughts of harming themselves or their baby.
If you’re a new mom struggling with feelings of depression, there are number of things you can do to help yourself begin to feel better. First, try to spend some time with other adults who care about you. Talk with your spouse, friends, and family about how they can help you with the baby and don’t be afraid to tell them about your feelings. Next, make sure to get as much rest as possible. Try to nap during the day when your baby does so that you can make up for those guaranteed sleepless nights.
Just as you make a routine out of bathing, dressing, and feeding your baby, makes sure that you give yourself a normal routine of showering, getting dressed, and eating at regular intervals. Getting out of the house with your baby is also a good way to improve your mood. You can go for a walk, visit a friend, or even venture out to the store for a much needed change of scenery.
Last but not least, talk to your doctor about your symptoms of depression. Your obstetrician is always available to answer your questions and talk with you about treatment options. There are medications that your doctor can prescribe to treat postpartum depression, many of which are approved for use while breastfeeding. In addition, individual therapy provided by a licensed psychologist or licensed professional counselor is an effective treatment for postpartum depression, especially when combined with medication.
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Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answeredYou may have some form of postpartum blues or clinical depression. A doctor will help determine and severity and may prescribe therapy and sometimes antidepressants. -
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Dr. Christina Hibbert , Psychology, answeredSee All 3 AnswersYes, men can have postpartum depression too--it even has its own name: Paternal Postnatal Depression, or PPND. In fact, PPND is more common than you'd think; research shows that PPND affects an estimated 1 in 10 to 1 in 4 dads! Men experience the same physical and psychological factors that can cause postpartum depression in women, including sleep deprivation and adjusting to new roles and responsibilities. Research also shows that dads even experience similar shifts in hormones to moms, with testosterone decreasing and estrogen increasing late in pregnancy. But the single biggest risk factor for PPND is having a depressed partner. However, many dads never seek treatment or support because they simply don't know postpartum depression can happen to them. My advice? Dads, if you think you or your partner might be experiencing postpartum depression, seek out support and help. You're not alone, and with help, you will be well. There are great resources out there for moms and dads that can help you feel "up to par" again in no time.