Postpartum Mood Disorders

Baby Blues

The "baby blues" happen within a couple of days after the birth. Four in five mothers will have postpartum blues. It is normal and it will pass in a few days to two weeks at the most.

You may:

• Feel sad
• Feel tired
• Have trouble sleeping
• Have trouble making decisions

It is important to reach out to your partner, family and friends for support. Also, take care of yourself by resting and eating healthy foods.

If the baby blues seem to be getting worse instead of better, or if they last more than 2 weeks, you may be moving into postpartum depression.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression lasts longer than the "baby blues", involves more intense emotions, and often requires counseling and treatment. About 10% of women who give birth develop postpartum depression. Many new mothers are surprised at how fragile, alone and overwhelmed they feel after the birth of a child. Their feelings do not seem to match their expectations.

Signs of postpartum depression:

• My baby blues have not gone away after 2 weeks
• I don't feel like my usual self
• I have strong feelings of sadness or guilt
• I often feel very anxious or worried
• I have strong feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
• I cannot sleep, even when I am tired
• I sleep all the time, even when my baby is awake
• I cannot eat, even when I am hungry
• I cannot eat because I am never hungry, or because I feel sick
• I worry about the baby too much; I'm obsessed with the baby
• I do not worry about the baby at all; it's almost like I don't care
• I am having anxiety or panic attacks
• I feel angry toward the baby
• I think about hurting my baby, or myself

If your feelings do not lessen after a few weeks and begin to interfere with your functioning, contact your health care provider. If you feel like hurting yourself or your baby, or are thinking about suicide, get help right away.