Key differences between “Baby Blues” and Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression – A major health issue for new mothers

  • Is reported to occur in 15% of women shortly before or any time after childbirth but commonly begins between a week and a month after delivery
  • Has a higher risk of developing in women with a previous experience with depression, current depression, anxiety, and low partner support
  • Affects not just the mother’s health, but can also interfere with her ability to care for her family, leading to impaired child development

What is the difference between “Baby Blues” and Postpartum Depression?

Baby Blues

  • Baby blues are feelings of sadness that a new mother may have in the first few days after having a baby – these symptoms aren’t as intense and don’t last as long as postpartum depression 
  • Approximately 60-80% of mothers will experience some degree of baby blues
  • It may come on rather suddenly one to three days after birth
  • Episodes usually last a few minutes up to a few hours a day
  • Lasting from 2 days to 2 weeks and usually peaks 3-5 days after delivery
  • The cause of baby blues is unknown; however, it has been linked to the sudden hormonal changes after birth

Postpartum Depression

  • Approximately 10-20% of mothers will experience some degree of postpartum depression
  • Postpartum depression is a mood disorder with feelings of intense sadness and hopelessness after the birth of a baby
  • Postpartum depression is commonly mistaken as baby blues at first, but the signs and symptoms are more intense and last longer
  • Postpartum depression can develop within weeks after giving birth or six months to one year after.
  • There’s no single cause of postpartum depression
  • Sleep deprivation, feeling of being overwhelmed. Not feeling confident in your ability to be a mom and care for your newborn. Struggling with your appearance after delivery- feelings of being less attractive. Feeling like you’ve lost control of your life

Selfcare Tips

  • It is important to remember you are NOT ALONE in your feelings
  • Talk with your partner or close relative/friend about your emotions
  • Journaling- keep a log about your feelings
  • Maintain a healthy diet
  • Try to get outside and do other activities
  • Talk to your Healthcare provider about how you are feeling and any symptoms you may experience
  • The key to postpartum wellbeing is open communication with family/friends and Healthcare providers. Never feel ashamed or embarrassed by your thoughts or feelings
  • If you are in a crisis, immediately call 911, the suicide hotline at 1-888-568-1112 or go to your nearest Emergency Room

Resources
www.postpartum.net
www.mededppd.org (English/Espanol)
www.ppdsupportpage.com (online PPD Support Group)
www.postpartumDADS.org (partners)
www.postpartummen.com (Men with PMDs)
www.postpartumdadsproject.org
www.janehonikman.com
www.tabs.org.nz/ (Trauma and Birth Stress)
www.postpartumprogress.typepad.com
www.griefwatch.com