Baby blues vs. postpartum depression
A question I get asked frequently is: What is the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression? To be honest, when you are in the thick of it those first few weeks, it is easy to get them confused. We are constantly told that this should be the best time of our lives, but when we are up till the wee hours of the morning with a crying baby and looking over at your partner (sometimes with resentment…) sleeping peacefully, it can seem more like a living nightmare. On top of that, our hormones take us on a ride we have never felt before.
So we are bound to have some feelings, but what is normal and what is not? Let’s distinguish the two…
What are baby blues?
“Baby blues” define the symptoms that women feel the first two weeks postpartum as a result from the natural hormonal drop that occurs after childbirth. After you give birth, it is essentially like going from taking 100 birth control pills to 0. Sounds like the ultimate emotional rollercoaster, right? It is!
Women describe “feeling crazy” during this time. These symptoms include feeling restless or anxious, irritable, excessive tearfulness without known triggers, not feeling “yourself,” mood changes, and sadness. These symptoms tend to be stronger in the first few days and after two weeks disappear.
How do baby blues differ from postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression occurs as a result from a combination of hormonal changes, extreme fatigue, and difficulty adjusting to the role of parenthood. Symptoms of postpartum depression include overwhelming feelings of sadness, guilt, or panic, fear of being alone, excessive crying and worry, feeling like you are not good enough, difficulty focusing, weight and/or appetite changes, and/or scary thoughts about yourself or your baby. These symptoms last past the 2 week baby blues timeline and can start at any point up to one year postpartum.
When determining the difference between the two for my clients, what I look for is if my client just cannot shake the negative thoughts/feelings, and anything they try to do does not help them feel better. Also, it is important to note that with postpartum depression, there is a strong negative sense of self. It is almost like you are convinced you are not good enough to be a mom.
Honestly, whether or not it is baby blues, if it feels difficult, there is no shame in asking for help. During my first two weeks postpartum, I told my husband “I honestly feel like I am possessed.” I knew it was baby blues, due to the defining features, but I could tell I was creeping into the postpartum depression realm. Once I noticed the symptoms, I immediately reached out to my village of support (other moms) and contacted my therapist. Even as a perinatal therapist I went through my own journey. There is no reason why you need to go through it alone. No matter what you are experiencing, I can promise you, with help you will get through this.
