· Postpartum · 2 min read
Baby Blues & Postpartum Depression
Two postpartum mental disorders that all mothers should be aware of.
Baby Blues
The arrival of a baby is undoubtedly a joyful event for every family. The 9 months of waiting and the delivery are just over. The baby is with its family and requires absolute attention throughout the 24 hours. The transition to the new everyday life is not easy. Sometimes the new mom can experience a sudden change in emotions. Joy and excitement can turn into anxiety and fear. Such a change may appear on the 3rd or 4th postpartum day and last approximately up to two weeks. This condition is called baby blues.
Common symptoms of baby blues include:
- Crying
- Sensitivity
- Negative thoughts
- Anxiety
- Change in mood
- Change in tone of voice
- Insomnia
- Feeding problems
- Feeling that you cannot properly care for the baby
The majority of women experience some of the above symptoms and this is completely normal. It is very important for every woman to get adequate support from her husband and family.
Postpartum Depression
Symptoms associated with postpartum depression are more intense and last longer. Sometimes symptoms start during pregnancy. Sometimes they start after childbirth. It is also possible that they start even a year after giving birth. In any case baby blues and postpartum depression are not the same condition. Postpartum depression occurs in approximately 15% of women worldwide.
Common symptoms of postpartum depression include:
- Intense stress
- Panic attacks
- You want to hurt yourself or the baby
- Anxiety
- Desperation
- You think you are not a good mother
- Intense tiredness and loss of energy
- Depressed mood
- Hate and anger
- Sleep disorder
- Eating disorder
- You cannot easily bond with the baby
- You often think about death or suicide
Factors related to the occurrence of this disorder:
- Traumatic childbirth experience
- Physical factors
- Characteristics of the newborn
- Social factors
- Psychological factors
Nursing mothers may experience this condition to a milder degree. During breastfeeding they come into contact with their baby and there is a better bond with it.
Symptoms that remain for just one week after childbirth are not considered dangerous for postpartum depression as they are due to the sudden drop in hormones. Symptoms that persist longer, especially 3 weeks postpartum, need further investigation. Also the intensity of the symptoms should be observed.
Postpartum depression is an unpleasant and difficult situation. If you notice symptoms that look like postpartum depression, contact a health professional without shame. Don’t let a condition like postpartum depression get worse. Ask for help from your gynecologist or midwife as soon as possible.