Baby Blues vs Postpartum Depression: How to Tell the Difference
Bringing a baby home often goes hand-in-hand with a different set of experiences for new mothers. From learning to care for a new baby, navigating relationships with your partner and family, and taking care of your body that has kept your baby growing for the last 9 months, it can feel overwhelming. Many mothers also experience intense emotions in the weeks following the birth of their baby. You might notice yourself crying at things that don’t typically bring you to tears, feel overwhelmed, or wonder why everything about your life feels really hard at this moment. At some point, many women begin to wonder, “Is this the Baby Blues, or could it be postpartum depression?”
As a San Diego therapist specializing in helping postpartum women, I’m here to help you get a sense for what the baby blues are, how they differ from postpartum depression, and when it might be helpful to get support.
What Are the Baby Blues
Baby Blues are temporary, more mild mood swings that may include sadness, anxiety, and crying spells or feelings of overwhelm. Many women begin to experience them several days after giving birth. Providers believe that the combination of hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation and adjustment to having a baby cause these mood shifts. The Baby Blues are very common and it is estimated that up to 80% of women experience the Baby Blues following the birth of a baby.
Typical Symptoms of Baby Blues are:
Crying easily
Mood swings
Irritability
Feeling overwhelmed
Emotional sensitivity
How Long Do the Baby Blues Last?
Typically, the symptoms of the Baby Blues begin to peak around 3-5 days postpartum, which makes sense as many women are transitioning from a hospital or birthing center home where they do not have the same care available to them that they might in the hospital. The Baby Blues often last 1-2 weeks during which time emotional fluctuations (mood swings and intense emotions) are common. Having support to help with the baby, your healing, and rest, can help reduce the intensity of your emotions during this time.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum Depression is often mistaken initially for Baby Blues because the symptoms are similar. Over time though, the symptoms mothers experience are more persistent, intense, impact daily life and functioning, and may not resolve on their own as they do with Baby Blues. Postpartum Depression is often called Peripartum Depression because some women develop it during pregnancy and others may not develop depression after having a baby for up to 1 year after the birth!
Some symptoms that you might be experiencing a postpartum mental health issue may include: persistent sadness, feeling disconnected from your baby, hopelessness, difficulty sleeping even when the baby sleeps, severe fatigue, intrusive or scary thoughts, a loss of interest in things you’ve previously enjoyed.
Signs It May Be More Than Baby Blues
It is important to remember that many mothers experience postpartum mood disorders and help is available. According to Postpartum Support International, up to 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men experience a postpartum mood disorder.
Some common signs you might be experiencing postpartum depression:
Symptoms lasting longer than two weeks
Sadness or anxiety worsening over time
Difficulty bonding with baby
Feeling numb or hopeless
Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby
Feeling unable to cope day to day
When to Seek Support
Postpartum mood disorders are very common and because they are so common, specialized help is available for you to help you feel better. Often when women are wondering whether they should seek help, it’s a sign that talking with someone could help. Your intuition may already know that you need support.
Postpartum depression is treatable, and often early support leads to a quicker recovery. Therapy can help women process the transition to motherhood and manage symptoms of postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety, or even trauma related to a scary birth, that impacts early motherhood.
Postpartum Therapy Support in San Diego
The early weeks and months of motherhood are full of changes and challenges that many women face. It’s a season of minimal sleep while also being asked to take on one of the biggest life-changes you’ll experience in your lifetime, all as a complete beginner. Even for those with older children, bringing another child home changes the dynamic in your house so much that it may often feel like you’re starting over again, learning everything. Maternal mental health issues like postpartum depression or anxiety are not limited to first-time moms.
Therapy with a Perinatal Mental Health specialist provides a unique space to speak openly as you process your journey to parenthood, the challenges that you’re experiencing internally and externally, and transition into the role of “mom.”
I offer therapy for new moms (and dads) experiencing postpartum mental health challenges as well as for couples who are navigating a new dimension in their relationship as parents. As a seasoned therapist and San Diego Perinatal Mental Health Certified provider, I can offer the support you need postpartum.
If you’re ready for support, I’d love to work with you. I offer in-person sessions both in my office and Walking at a number of parks in San Diego as well as virtual therapy for parents or couples in California. Babies are always welcome in session whether walking or in-office.