No matter how happy you are about bringing your little one into the world, many new mums (80%, to be precise) experience the “baby blues” in the first couple of weeks after childbirth. “Baby blues” is not the same as postnatal depression or a mental illness and is a natural and temporary reaction to the hormonal shifts that happen after childbirth. Many women describe these shifts as intense PMS symptoms. While it’s common to cry, women with baby blues tend to feel much more emotionally sensitive than sad.

According to March of Dimes, most mums who experience the baby blues feel symptoms two-to-three days after the birth. These can last up to two weeks.

Even though the “baby blues” is usually nothing to be concerned about, it can still feel unsettling for new mums, especially when there’s added societal pressure for new parents to feel happy straight after their child is born.

What are the symptoms of baby blues?

Intense PMS.

Irritability.

Mood swings.

Crying.

Feeling extra sensitive.

Beeing more self-critical than usual.

Insomnia.

Nervousness.

How can I get support for the baby blues?

Reach out to friends, family, and childbirth professionals like doulas to help with emotional support and with the care of the baby in the first couple of weeks postpartum.
Get as much rest as you can. We know it's easier said than done, but everything feels worse when you’re exhausted, so sleep when the baby sleeps and let the laundry pile up. Sleep comes first.
Eat well and get some fresh air. Keeping your body healthy makes a huge difference in your mental state, so load up on nutritious food and get outside as much as possible.
Do something you love. Nothing nourishes the soul more than doing something you absolutely love. We know getting even just five minutes to yourself is a tall order in the first couple of weeks of motherhood, but looking after a human being 24/7 can leave you feeling burnt out and resentful.
Stay connected with your partner. It’s so easy, especially in those first few weeks, to lose connection with your partner and forget everything about the baby. Committing to doing something with your partner and/or checking in with them every day will help you feel supported during this vulnerable time.

How do you tell the difference between baby blues and postnatal depression?

80% of new mothers experience the baby blues, while 20% experience postpartum depression. So how do you tell the difference?

Baby blues usually subside within a week or two. Postpartum depression, however, lasts anything from several months to a year after childbirth.
Postpartum depression symptoms are a lot more severe than the symptoms of baby blues. Symptoms include aggression, a complete lack of interest in anything, including the baby, and suicidal thoughts.

If you are unsure whether you have baby blues or postnatal depression, contact your healthcare professional, who will be able to advise you and discuss which treatment is best.

Takeaway Points:

“Baby blues” happens to 80% of new moms. It is a natural and temporary reaction to the hormonal shifts after childbirth.
The symptoms of baby blues feel similar to intense PMS. Symptoms include irritability, mood swings, crying, feeling extra sensitive, insomnia, nervousness, and being more self-critical than usual.
There are a few things you can do to ease the baby blues. Reach out for support from trusted friends and family members, get as much rest as possible, eat well, go outside in the fresh air, and stay connected with your partner.
The difference between baby blues and postnatal depression is the timing and severity of symptoms. Baby blues last about a week or two after birth. Postnatal depression lasts anywhere from several months to a year.

How do I identify and cope with the baby blues?

How long do you cry after having a baby? This piece is all about postpartum blues.