Baby blues or postpartum depression?

In the days after you meet your baby, joy, exhaustion, worry and tears can all come at once. Some of these feelings are very common and pass on their own; others need support and treatment. Knowing the difference makes it easier to ask for help in time, for yourself and for the people you love.

The baby blues

About 2–3 days after giving birth, many mothers feel sad, anxious and tense. Crying for no clear reason, having trouble sleeping, eating or making decisions, and doubting whether you can care for your baby are common at this time. The baby blues usually pass within a few days to two weeks without treatment. Resting, accepting help and sharing your feelings can help during this time.

How is postpartum depression different?

Postpartum depression is more intense, lasts longer and makes it hard to manage daily tasks. It can start during pregnancy, soon after birth or at any time in the first year after birth. If some of the following symptoms last longer than two weeks or keep getting worse, it may be postpartum depression:

• Low mood and hopelessness most of the time
• Not enjoying things you used to enjoy
• Feeling you can't cope or that you're a bad mother; feelings of guilt and worthlessness
• Constant worry, fear, restlessness or irritability
• Being unable to sleep even when you have the chance
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

Having had depression before, difficult life events, not having enough support, or a premature or unwell baby can increase the risk, but postpartum depression can affect any mother. It isn't a weakness or your fault. Fathers and partners can also have depression after a baby is born.

Where can you get help?

If your symptoms have lasted more than two weeks, are getting worse or you're struggling to cope, don't wait for your postpartum checkup: see your family doctor, your obstetrician or a psychiatrist. Postpartum depression can be treated: talk therapy and, when needed, medication work. There are medicines that can be used while breastfeeding; be sure to tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

You can also take some steps for yourself:

• Talk about your feelings with your partner, someone close to you or a health professional.
• Ask for help with shopping, housework and baby care, and accept help when it's offered.
• Sleep and rest whenever you can.
• Go for a walk every day, even a short one.
• Don't turn to alcohol or other substances to cope with your feelings.

“Asking for help is part of being a good mother; you don't have to carry this alone.”

Emergencies

If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, if you see or hear things that aren't there, or if severe confusion, overexcitement or sleeplessness suddenly appear, call your local emergency number right away or go to the nearest emergency department. This condition, called postpartum psychosis, is rare but a medical emergency; it usually starts suddenly within the first two weeks after birth. A person with it may not realize they are ill, so it's important that your partner and family know these signs too.