Welcoming a new baby into your life comes with a lot of emotions. Unfortunately, they’re not always joyful. Giving birth is life-changing. Your shifting hormone levels and increased responsibilities will likely cause fluctuations in your sleep patterns. Mood swings, crying spells, and anxiety have all been reported as normal reactions after bringing baby home. It’s important to know what to expect of your mental and emotional health during and after pregnancy.
There are several mood disorders that are common while you’re pregnant and after you give birth. Be aware of the signs and symptoms, so you can recognize them in yourself or a loved one. Mood disorders can affect your emotional well-being and ability to care for yourself and your baby. Knowing who supports you and when to seek help is crucial for your recovery from childbirth and helps to maintain the well-being of your family.
Baby Blues
Baby blues are common and experienced by about 50-80% of women in the days following childbirth. Symptoms include
- Crying easily
- Feeling lonely (even with family around) or angry
- Losing interest in eating
- Having difficulty sleeping or making decisions
- Feeling increasingly anxious
- Thinking you’re unable to care for your baby
- Experiencing mood swings
Baby blues usually begin within the first few days after you’ve given birth and can last for up to 2 weeks. They’re largely thought to be related to hormonal changes, fatigue, and the stress of adjusting to a new routine. Most women recover from baby blues without medical intervention. However, there are some things you can do to help overcome the blues and lessen your symptoms.
Self-Care for the Baby Blues
Your new baby’s routine will disrupt your rest and sleep patterns. Try these tips to relax:
- Take short naps, even when visitors stop by
- Ask for and accept help from family and friends
- Share duties, like changing diapers and bathing baby, with your partner
- Get help with meal preparation and grocery shopping
- Allow family and friends to care for your other children
- Plan playdates
- Adjust your normal household routine
- Postpone activities with strict schedules like home remodeling
Need more? Below are other meaningful activities you can do to overcome the baby blues:
- Engage in deep breathing or meditation when you have a few quiet moments
- Mind your diet: Eat quick, easy, and healthy snacks and stay hydrated
- Limit your sugar and caffeine loads
- Make time for hobbies you enjoy, like crafting, reading a book, or listening to music
- Try light exercise like walking outside in the sun for 15-20 minutes a day
Depression
If your symptoms last for more than 2 weeks or become so intense or overwhelming that you’re unable to care for yourself or your baby, you may be suffering from postpartum depression. Depression can occur during pregnancy and anytime during the first year after birth and affects about 1 in 5 new mothers. This condition is more severe and longer lasting than baby blues.
Warning signs of postpartum depression can include
- Strong feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and unnecessary self-blame when things go wrong
- Loss of interest in activities that brought you joy
- Lack of energy and motivation
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Not eating or eating too much
- Inability to focus or make decisions
- Avoiding family or friends
- Extreme attention on the baby or no interest in the baby at all
Anxiety
Some women may suffer from anxiety during their pregnancy or postpartum. This includes symptoms of
- Excessive worry and anxiety
- Thoughts of impending doom
- Racing or intrusive thoughts
- Difficulty sitting still, sleeping, or eating
- Physical warning signs, like heart palpitations or shortness of breath
- Obsessive-compulsive thoughts and behaviors related to concerns for your baby’s safety
Depression and anxiety are real healthcare emergencies. Call your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.
Paternal Depression
Partners also are going through significant life adjustments that can affect their mental health. Paternal perinatal depression affects up to 10% of fathers before and immediately after baby is born. The number of men affected increases to about 25% when baby is 3-6 months old. Female partners and adoptive parents may also have symptoms of depression. These feelings and behaviors can affect interacting and bonding with the baby. Partners don’t have to suffer in silence; all parents should talk to their healthcare providers about any depression symptoms.
Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe mental health disorder that occurs after childbirth. It involves symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, fluctuating moods, and a disconnect from reality. Postpartum psychosis requires immediate medical attention and is considered a psychiatric emergency. If you or someone you know are having these symptoms, seek help immediately.
While the baby blues are likely to resolve on their own, if you’re experiencing signs of postpartum depression, anxiety, or psychosis, you should seek medical attention. Talk to your healthcare provider if you or your partner notice any symptoms in yourselves or each other. Don’t suffer in silence: Get help early through therapy, medication, or both. Addressing the issue can lead to better health and well-being for you and your baby.
Perinatal Mental Health Resources
If you have thoughts of hurting yourself, your baby, or others, call 911 or call or text 988 right away.
- For emotional support and resources, call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
- Find more resources at Postpartum Support International (PSI) at postpartum.net
- Call the PSI HelpLine at 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD)
- Text “Help” to the PSI HelpLine: 800-944-4773 (English), 971-203-7773 (en Español)
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