Is It ‘Baby Blues’ or Postpartum Depression?

The arrival of a newborn can evoke a wide range of intense emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. It can also lead to an unexpected outcome: depression.

While most new moms experience “baby blues” after childbirth, some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression.

“Pregnancy is very hard. It’s an emotional rollercoaster,” says Dr. David Hartfiel, OBGYN provider at MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch. “It’s physically stressful and can be very difficult to deal with, so it’s important to balance your mental health and have people to talk to.”

Baby blues usually begin within the first 2 to 3 days after delivery and may last up to two weeks. It can commonly include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping.

Postpartum depression, on the other hand, is more intense and long lasting. It may be mistaken for baby blues at first but eventually could interfere with your ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks. Symptoms may include:

• Depressed mood or severe mood swings
• Crying too much
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
• Inability to sleep, called insomnia, or sleeping too much
• Overwhelming tiredness or loss of energy
• Less interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
• Intense irritability and anger
• Fear that you're not a good mother
• Hopelessness
• Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
• Reduced ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
• Restlessness
• Severe anxiety and panic attacks
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Postpartum depression is treated differently depending on the type and severity of your symptoms. Your healthcare provider may prescribe antidepressants to manage symptoms and help balance the chemicals in your brain that affect your mood. A referral to therapy may also be helpful.

“Parenting is full of ups and downs, and having a baby isn’t easy,” says Dr. Harfiel. “If you have depression, you’re not alone. Your healthcare provider can help find a treatment that works for you.”

Here are several strategies to help you cope with postpartum depression:

• Reach out to someone you trust — whether it's a therapist, a friend, a family member, or anyone willing to listen and support you.
• Consider joining a support group for new parents to connect with others who understand your experience.
• Make an effort to maintain a healthy diet and incorporate regular exercise into your routine.
• Prioritize rest and make time for yourself to recharge.
• Spend time with friends, whether in person or through phone conversations, to foster social connections.
• Carve out time for self-care and engage in activities that bring you joy, such as reading or pursuing hobbies.
• Seek assistance with household chores or errands to alleviate some of the pressure you may be feeling.

If you're feeling depressed after your baby's birth, you may be reluctant or embarrassed to admit it. But if you experience any symptoms of postpartum baby blues or postpartum depression, call your primary health care provider or your OBGYN and schedule an appointment.

David Hartfiel, M.D., is an experienced obstetrician and gynecologist at MyMichigan Obstetrics & Gynecology, located at MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch. With over 20 years in the field, he provides personalized and compassionate care to women of all ages.