Postpartum blues/postpartum depression

You might expect to feel nothing but joy after you take your new baby home. However, you may feel sad, cranky, and hopeless instead. Hormone changes, stress, and lack of sleep may be causing you to feel this way.

Many new moms get postpartum blues (“baby blues”) in the first few days after giving birth. This is normal and very common. Most “baby blues” usually get better in less than 2 weeks.

But sometimes, “baby blues” can become a much more serious condition known as postpartum depression. This is a serious illness that can last for months and make it hard for you to care for and bond with your baby.

If your symptoms of “baby blues” last more than 2 weeks and become more intense, please see your doctor right away.

Symptoms of “baby blues”

• Trouble sleeping
• Trouble concentrating
• Mood swings
• Sadness
• Cry easily
• Irritable
• Anxiety

Managing your “baby blues”

• Ask others for support in caring for your baby
• Get as much healthy food, sleep and exercise as possible
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine and medicines not recommended by your doctor
• Join a “new mom” support group

Symptoms of postpartum depression

• Feelings of extreme sadness, hopelessness and emptiness
• Anxiety
• Trouble sleeping
• Trouble concentrating
• Loss of pleasure in everyday life
• Lack of appetite and weight loss
• Overeating and weight gain

Managing your postpartum depression

• Counseling
• Antidepressants
• Ask others for support in caring for your baby
• Get as much healthy food, sleep and exercise as possible
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine and medicines not recommended by your doctor
• Join a “new mom” support group.