“Baby Blues” or Postpartum Depression?

Why didn’t anyone tell me about this?

This is a question I have asked myself MANY times throughout my 10 years of being a mom. But, in retrospect, this question was probably most relevant to the emotional “stuff” that came along with having my first baby.  We can become so overwhelmed by the exciting feelings of expecting a baby, especially baby #1, and we assume this is how we will feel after that little bundle of joy arrives. But, what if I don’t feel that way? The questions and worrisome thoughts continue: “Does this mean I don’t love my baby?”, “I am a terrible mom”, “I’m not going to be able to take care of this baby”, “my partner will be disappointed in me”, “what will other people think if I am not happy?” … the list goes on and on.  These thoughts are so much more common that a lot of people think. According to the March of Dimes, about 80% of moms experience the “baby blues”.  Additionally, 1 in 7 women (15%) develop postpartum depression.  That is a lot of moms struggling through what’s anticipated to be an exciting and wonderful time. So, why didn’t anyone tell me about this? The truth is, it’s difficult to talk about and can be hard for moms to ask for help. Fortunately, these topics are being talked about more every day. There are also several more platforms for providing education and finding support for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

What is important to know:

“Baby Blues” – occurs within a few day following giving birth. Symptoms include: feeling moody/irritable, feeling sad/easily tearful, difficulty eating and sleeping, and generally feeling overwhelmed by taking care of your baby. Symptoms typically resolve within about 2 weeks after delivery, with no particular intervention.

Postpartum depression – a type of perinatal depression (depression occurring any time during pregnancy or within the first year following delivery). Symptoms are similar to those of “baby blues” but are more severe and persistent and most often require intervention(s) of some kind in order to see improvement.

We often place blame on ourselves if/when we suffer from postpartum depression, but we must remember that this both a mental and physical health condition. With the correct treatment, you can be well and overcome this!

The good news: “You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well”

– Postpartum Support International