Reviewed by Kenneth B. Keplinger, MD
Bringing home a new baby is supposed to feel joyful. For many new parents, it also comes with tears, exhaustion, and moments of feeling completely overwhelmed. Most of the time, those feelings fade within a couple of weeks. When they don’t, it could be a sign of something more serious: postpartum depression.
What’s the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression?
The baby blues are extremely common. Up to 85% of new mothers experience them, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Symptoms usually appear two to three days after delivery and include mood swings, crying spells, irritability and trouble sleeping. They typically clear up on their own within one to two weeks.
Postpartum depression lasts longer, feels more intense and can make it hard to care for yourself or your baby. National survey data shows about 1 in 8 women who give birth in the United States experience symptoms of postpartum depression. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Trouble bonding with your baby
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Changes in appetite or sleep beyond normal newborn disruption
- Overwhelming fatigue
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- In severe cases, thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Postpartum depression can begin any time in the first year after birth, though symptoms most often show up within the first three months.
Who is at risk?
Postpartum depression can affect anyone who has recently given birth. Some factors that may raise the risk include:
- A personal or family history of depression or anxiety
- A difficult pregnancy or delivery
- Limited support at home
- Financial stress
- A history of postpartum depression with a previous pregnancy
- An unplanned pregnancy
Partners can experience postpartum depression too. It affects fathers and non-birthing parents as well.
Why does getting help matter?
Untreated postpartum depression can affect the whole family. It can interfere with bonding, feeding, sleep and a parent’s ability to care for themselves. Research shows it can also have long-term effects on a child’s emotional and cognitive development when left untreated.
Fortunately, postpartum depression is highly treatable. With the right care, up to 80% of people make a full recovery. Treatment options include talk therapy with a licensed counselor, support groups for new parents, medication (when recommended by a doctor) and lifestyle changes, like more rest, movement and social connection when possible.
When should you reach out?
If sadness, anxiety or exhaustion last longer than two weeks after delivery, or if they get in the way of daily life, talk to a doctor. This is especially true if you have thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby. If you are in emotional distress or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 9-8-8. In a life-threatening emergency, dial 9-1-1.
New parents don’t have to manage these feelings alone. A doctor can help figure out what’s going on and find a treatment plan that fits.
Learn more about maternal health services as well as mental health services at WMCHealth.