Postpartum Depression and Baby Blues – What’s The Difference?

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Becoming a new mother brings many changes including the possibility of having postpartum depression. The hormones you needed during pregnancy are no longer needed after birth, and so your hormone levels drop and fluctuate. This can impact your mood and maternal mental health.

Alongside that, not getting enough or quality sleep can also affect your mind and body, leading to irritableness, feeling down, and crying.

Up to 80% of new mothers experience ‘baby blues’. It’s very common! These short-term changes in mood often begin 2 or 3 days after birth, but often start to improve by the second week as your hormones level off.

If you’re still feeling sadness or depression after the second week, or if it becomes more severe, it may be more serious.

Around 10% of mothers experience postpartum depression. Having depression in the past or having postpartum depression in the family can also increase your risk.

How do you know if what you’re experiencing is baby blues or postpartum depression?

Baby Blues

  • Sudden mood swings from happy to sad.
  • Loss of appetite because you’re exhausted.
  • Feeling irritable, overwhelmed, and anxious.
  • Lasts up to two weeks after birth.

Postpartum Depression

  • Feeling hopeless, sad, worthless, or alone all the time.
  • Crying often.
  • Feeling like you’re not doing a good job as a new mom.
  • Struggling to bond with your baby.
  • Difficulty eating, sleeping, or taking care of the baby.
  • Feeling overwhelming despair.
  • Anxiety and panic attacks.
  • Continues for more than two weeks after birth.

As you can see, there is a discernible difference between baby blues and postpartum depression.

If you feel like you may be struggling with postpartum depression, or if you need some extra support working through baby blues, we want to help!

Getting help from a licensed therapist who specializes in maternal mental health and anxiety can be life-changing. Given Guidance Family Counseling in La Crescenta-Montrose, California, specialize in helping new mothers cope with challenges and work towards balance and inner peace.

Contact our empathetic Care Coordinator to schedule your first session.