Baby Blues vs Postpartum Depression: How To Tell the Difference

Studies say up to 80% of new mothers experience normal baby blues.⁴ The exact causes of the baby blues are unknown, but they are thought to be a combination of biological and psychosocial factors. Biological refers to changes in hormone levels that were previously produced during pregnancy. Psychosocial refers to the changes that occur when a new baby is born. Things like fatigue, sleep deprivation, changes to relationships, relationship strain, change to routine, etc.¹

For many new moms who have spent their entire pregnancies anticipating the arrival of their little ones, it can be pretty surprising and potentially shame-inducing to feel sadness or anxiety after having their precious baby. It’s supposed to be the happiest time in their lives, but they don’t feel happy. And that reality in and of itself can be depressing.

Understanding the difference between normal baby blues and postpartum depression can help you or someone you love get the right support early.

What Are the Baby Blues?

The baby blues are very common and usually appear within the first two weeks after birth. Here are the symptoms to look for:²

• feeling sad or weepy
• irritability
• overly emotional
• difficulty concentrating
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Having trouble making choices
• Change in appetite
• Fatigue or having trouble sleeping

In the first two weeks after all three of my previous deliveries, I experienced a feeling of intense clinginess to my babies. I remember asking my sister to hold my first son beside me while I slept. With my third son, I also felt heightened anxiety. I was worried something would happen to him. And I was worried about everything. Luckily, after the first few weeks, my symptoms stopped, and I began to feel normal again.

However, 10-20% of women experience a more severe version of the baby blues called postpartum depression.⁴ Postpartum depression can occur anytime within the first four weeks postpartum, right up to a year after having your baby, so it is important to recognize the symptoms.³

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression symptoms are similar to the symptoms of baby blues, but are more severe and persist for longer than two weeks.⁵ In addition to feeling the symptoms listed above, moms with postpartum depression may also feel:²

• feeling worthless
• losing interest in usual activities
• lacking interest in your baby
• thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby

Who Gets Postpartum Depression and Why?

Anyone can experience postpartum depression, but certain emotional, medical, or situational factors can increase the risk.:³

• A history of depression or anxiety
• A family history of depression
• Stressful life events that occurred during pregnancy
• Birth-related trauma (emotional or physical)
• History of trauma (including sexual abuse/assault at any age)
• Previous stillbirth or miscarriage
• Low self-esteem
• Lack of social support
• Relationship stress or lack of emotional bond with significant other, family, and/or friends
• Lack of financial resources/money
• Having an unplanned/unwanted pregnancy
• Challenges breastfeeding

If, for any reason, you end up having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, do not panic. Instead, tell your closest confidant that you have experienced these thoughts or feelings, and ask for their support in seeking professional/medical assistance. If you don’t think you can admit to someone that you are having problems, set up an accountability team before birth to check in with you regularly post-delivery. This should continue throughout the first year.

Postpartum depression doesn’t have to be severe or lengthy as long as you address it and take action. The first step is to schedule an appointment with your OB or another trusted healthcare professional, who can assess your symptoms and then refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for appropriate medication or psychotherapy. With proper treatment and therapy, you can quickly address symptoms. And a new mother can return to everyday mom life, enjoying her sweet and wonderful baby!

Don’t Be Ashamed to Ask for Help!

Postpartum mental health challenges are common, treatable, and nothing to hide. Support and early action can make a life-changing difference.

However, some women wait too long or are unsure of how to seek help. And others may not recognize the symptoms they are experiencing. Therefore, it is crucial to speak up if you feel that a friend does not seem like herself after delivery. If you notice behavior such as a lack of interest in her baby or tears every time you see her, don’t hesitate to step in and speak up. She will thank you later.

Several friends who experienced postpartum depression say it was really after the first year passed that they looked back and realized something was wrong. However, they didn’t realize the extent of the damage at the time. And they wish they had gotten help sooner.

There is nothing wrong with a woman who experiences baby blues or postpartum depression. It is normal to experience some form of the blues. It is not a sign of weakness or impairment, and you can do nothing to prevent it. However, it is your responsibility to be honest if you need help! So please don’t be ashamed to do so, not only for yourself but also for your precious baby.

Whether you’re experiencing the baby blues or something more serious, you deserve support, understanding, and compassion. Talk openly with someone you trust and reach out to a healthcare provider if anything feels overwhelming. With the right help, brighter days truly are ahead for you and your baby.