*Trigger Warning: Discussion of many postpartum mood disorders and mental health*

Common Struggle

Far too often mothers struggle with postpartum mood disorders alone. Bringing education and information to light can help mothers feel less alone and provide them with more resources. The baby blues is the least severe of postpartum mood disorders. It is fairly common to experience this 2-3 days postpartum as your hormones rapidly change. The baby blues typically are short-lived, if it seems to be continuing for longer than 2 weeks, you should consult a healthcare provider as you may be experiencing postpartum depression. The baby blues can vary for every mother. Signs of baby blues can include sadness, feeling restless, feeling impatient, crying for no reason, not feeling like yourself, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes. (March Of Dimes, 2021)

Be Aware of Serious Symptoms

Postpartum depression is a more serious condition than the baby blues. It will vary for every woman but commonly it is described as strong feelings of sadness, worry, anxiety, and tiredness that are long-lasting after birth. It can become hard to care for yourself, your baby, and even other family members. Postpartum depression may sound similar to the baby blues, however, postpartum depression is more severe and lasts longer. About 15% of women develop postpartum depression. (March Of Dimes, 2019) There is also postpartum psychosis that is more severe, however it is less common.

Get Help

If you feel you are experiencing any of these postpartum mood disorders, it is advised you contact a licensed healthcare professional. If you are unsure of where to go for help contacting an OBGYN, midwife, or doula for resources and referrals is a great step to get started. Not all professionals are as informed on postpartum mood disorders as others, so finding a provider that specializes in this area can be beneficial. When on the road to healing, there are some things you can do to aid this process. First, try connecting with friends or family. You may be surprised at the connections you can form and the comfort in letting them know how you are feeling.

Try to Care for Yourself

While it may seem hard, taking care of yourself is also a priority. This can range from taking time for your hobbies, going for a walk, sitting in the sunlight, eating nourishing meals, proper hydration, etc. Sitting outside for 15 minutes in the morning sunlight can have many benefits as well. Going for a light walk with your baby in a stroller can also be a great idea. Most babies love the movement of the stroller and it gets you out in the fresh air.

*This is not medical advice, if you are seeking medical advice please contact a licensed and trusted healthcare provider*

References:

Baby Blues after pregnancy. March of Dimes. (2021). https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/postpartum/baby-blues-after-pregnancy

Postpartum depression. March of Dimes. (2019). https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/postpartum/postpartum-depression

Read about Alyssa’s battle with postpartum depression here: https://bluewaterparent.com/conquering-postpartum-depression/.

Story by Tayler Morrison for BlueWaterParent.com.

All content of BlueWaterParent.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.