• Home
  • About Us
  • Counseling Services
    • Pregnancy Counseling
    • Postpartum Therapy
    • Couples Counseling
    • Therapy for Clinical Anxiety
    • Therapy for Stress Management
    • Therapy for Clinical Depression
    • Therapy for Grief & Loss
  • Resources
    • Job Openings
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Rights & Protections
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Menu Menu
You are here: Home1 / Uncategorized2 / Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression

Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression

April 1, 2022/by Informed Therapy Group

You may be wondering, is this normal or am I experiencing postpartum depression? When should I be concerned?

This guide will help you determine what you’re probably experiencing and what to do about it.

Let’s dive in.

The Baby Blues

In the first few weeks after a baby is born, many new mothers experience what’s commonly called “the baby blues.”

The Baby Blues isn’t depression; it’s a fairly common reaction to all of the stress and physical changes that come with having a child.

It may take your body some time to adjust back to its normal state.

Symptoms of the baby blues

The following are some symptoms of the baby blues:

  • Feelings of frustration and impatience
  • Crying spells
  • Mood swings
  • Restlessness or fatigue
  • Feeling disappointment

You may find yourself thinking, “What have I done?” “How can I possibly take care of this baby?” or “My old life is over.”

These feelings are totally normal and nothing to be ashamed about (and they WILL go away)!

Changes in hormones and lack of sleep — not to mention the enormous physical toll of giving birth, whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section — are going to wear you down.

Luckily, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

How to cope with the baby blues

It is imperative during this time to practice self-care. This means doing everything in your power to get as much sleep as you can.

Tip: 5 hours or more at a time can completely change your mood!

I know this isn’t always possible but trying to do this on days when your mood is low can really help. Even one night will make a huge difference.

Yes, you have a newborn who is very needy but remember, you are still a person with needs of your own.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help and accept it from friends and family when they offer!

Baby blues – when does it end?

Generally speaking, the baby blues begins 3-5 days after giving birth and lasts about 2 weeks.

As you begin to adjust and your hormone levels start returning to normal, you should start to feel a bit better.

If after about 2 weeks you still feel anxious, irritable, or overwhelmed, reach out to someone for help. It could be a sign of postpartum depression.

Keep reading to see if this sounds like you and if you’re not sure, I offer a clinical interview during the first session and do a thorough evaluation of your symptoms.

Postpartum depression (PPD)

If a few weeks go by and you’re still feeling low or irritable, it could be a sign of PPD.

This doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you or that you’re a bad mother.

In fact, PPD is extremely common.

According to the CDC, about 1 in 8 women experience PPD. It’s also very treatable and it’s important to get help right away, for your own sake and the sake of your little one.

Symptoms of postpartum depression

Symptoms of PPD are similar to the baby blues but more intense, and may include:

  • Uncontrollable crying
  • Feeling down or sad
  • Feeling isolated or withdrawn
  • Intrusive thoughts
  • Doubting yourself or your ability to care for your baby
  • Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

Having a baby is hard enough and every woman deserves support. If you feel depressed, please share your feelings with someone you trust and consider getting help.

My door is always open to you.

Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share by Mail
https://informedtherapy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/blog-baby-blues-featured.jpg 667 1000 Informed Therapy Group https://informedtherapy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Logo-12072022_1.svg Informed Therapy Group2022-04-01 08:30:412022-12-14 00:16:01Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression

Latest Posts

  • Preventing Postpartum Depression: Steps to Take Before Baby ArrivesDecember 4, 2023 - 9:38 pm
  • Postpartum Anxiety: The Lesser-Known Postpartum ChallengeDecember 4, 2023 - 9:35 pm
  • Image of a woman speaking with a male depression therapist. Overcome your depression symptoms with the help of depression therapy in Atlanta, GA.How You Know When it is Time to Seek Professional Support for Your Depression: Tips From a Depression Therapist in Atlanta, GAOctober 11, 2023 - 4:46 pm
  • Image of a stressed woman with her hands in her hair sitting over her laptop. Do you struggle with workplace anxiety? Learn how anxiety therapy in Atlanta, GA and anxiety therapist can help you cope with the anxiety symptoms.Creating a Healthy Work-Life Balance: Strategies for Reducing Workplace AnxietyOctober 10, 2023 - 4:52 pm
  • Image of a medical professional sitting on the floor in the dark. Overcome your depression so you can refocus on your work with the help of depression therapy in Atlanta, GA.Struggling at Work and Feeling Depressed? Tips for How to Cope From a Depression TherapistSeptember 14, 2023 - 9:13 pm
  • Photo of a woman sitting on stairs holding her hand to her mouth in thought. Learn to effectively challenge your thoughts with the help of anxiety therapy in Atlanta, GA.The “Ins and Outs” of Challenging Your Anxious Thoughts, Part 3September 12, 2023 - 9:17 pm
  • Photo of a young man sitting at a cafe using his laptop. Do you struggle to control your anxious thoughts? Learn how anxiety therapy in Atlanta, GA can help you manage them.The “Ins and Outs” of Challenging Your Anxious Thoughts Part 2September 7, 2023 - 4:46 pm
  • Photo of a woman sitting on the floor with her hands on her head. Do you fear having a depressive episode? Learn how depression therapy in Atlanta, GA can help you overcome the fear.Fear of Having Another Depressive Episode: Tips on How to Cope From a Depression TherapistSeptember 5, 2023 - 5:14 pm
  • Image of an upset mom sitting on a couch with her hand on her forehead and holding a baby. Learn how to deal traumatic births with the help of birth trauma therapy. Find support in postpartum therapy in Atlanta, GA.Different Types of Birth Trauma: Tips from a Postpartum Therapist in Atlanta, GAAugust 31, 2023 - 8:00 am
  • Photo of a young African American woman with vitiligo laying her head on her arms. Learn to control your anxious thoughts with the help of anxiety therapy in Atlanta, GA.The “Ins and Outs” of Challenging Your Anxious Thoughts – Part 1August 21, 2023 - 4:12 pm

Let’s stay connected!

Join our newsletter and get FREE tips for wellness and updates about our practice.

    Everyone deserves the opportunity to feel safe and supported in the therapeutic alliance.

    (404) 444-8974

    Quick Links

    • About Us
    • Counseling Services
    • FAQs
    • Blog
    • Contact Us

    Scheduling

    • New Clients
    • Client Portal
      (coming soon)

    © Copyright 2023 - Informed Therapy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Service
    The Many Faces of Postpartum DepressionMom Guilt is Very Real
    Scroll to top