Baby Blues and Post-Partum Depression

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The baby blues are normal and short-lived after giving birth. These mood swings are caused by a shift in the hormones in your body. Stress due to recent life changes and a lack of sleep can affect you also. 

The baby blues usually begin a few days after birth and go away by 10 to 14 days. Some moms may feel tearful, restless, sad, tired, cry for no reason or have trouble thinking clearly. 

Postpartum depression may seem like the baby blues at first, but the signs are more severe and last longer. There is no single cause for postpartum depression, and it can occur anytime in the first year after birth. It may last for weeks or months. 

Signs of Post Partum Depression: 

• Feeling useless or hopeless 
• Showing less concern for your baby 
• Feeling like life is not worth living 
• Not feeling hungry 
• Weight loss 
• Feeling restless 
• Crying a lot 
• Less energy to do things 
• Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby 

Things to do for Baby Blues: 

• Take some time for yourself. 
• Talk with someone you trust. 
• Keep a journal of your thoughts and feelings. 
• Helping, caring people around keeps you hopeful. 
• Rest as much as you can.

Things to do for postpartum depression: 

• Call your midwife or doctor right away. If you cannot reach your midwife or doctor, go to your walk-in clinic or emergency room. 
• Remember! Feeling depressed does not mean that you are a bad mom.
• Remember! You did not do anything wrong. 
• Treatment may include counseling or talk therapy, joining a support team, or taking medication.