Is it Baby Blues or Postnatal Depression?

Bringing a new life into the world is an incredible journey, but it is not without its emotional twists and turns. As many as eight out of ten women get what is known as the baby blues. Out of these ten women, one will develop postnatal depression. You’re probably experiencing the whirlwind of the postpartum period, and you’re wondering if how you are feeling is baby blues, or something a little more sinister like postnatal depression. In this article, we’ll explore the difference between the two and help you identify if action is needed.

Lets start with the baby blues.

You’ve probably heard of the term, or maybe even experienced it first-hand. Baby blues are a normal part of the postpartum period, and nearly every woman will experience them…but some experience them worse than others.

They’re temporary emotional changes that typically begin within the first week after giving birth and will last around 2 weeks after that. These volatile emotions are a response to the significant hormonal changes your body goes through during and after childbirth.

 

 

Now let’s delve into postnatal depression. A condition that deserves our attention and we must be aware of.

The baby blues come and go, but it is postnatal depression that sticks around and will linger.

Postnatal depression can deeply impact a new mothers emotional well-being, and if you have suffered with depression or anxiety in the past, you are more likely to suffer from it then someone who hasn’t.

It is essential to distinguish this condition from baby blues, to ensure that you receive support you require.

 

 

You may be sat up in the middle of the night feeling like you are going crazy, or just completely overwhelmed with emotion, wondering if this is something that you have done, or where has this come from?

We want to take this second to let you know that having baby blues or postnatal depression is NOT YOUR FAULT! This has absolutely nothing to do with you, what you have or haven’t done, or if you are a good person or not.

Actually, there is a lot more to it. 

Here are some common causes and risk factors of postnatal depression:

• Hormone change post-birth – Completely separate to baby blues, this hormonal switch can trigger depression
• Physical changes – Lack of sleep, exhaustion after giving birth and the constant caring for your new baby around the clock can contribute and worsen symptoms of postnatal depression
• Previous mental health issues – If you have suffered with your mental health in the past, in particular if you have ever been diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder, you are at a higher risk of developing postnatal depression
• Stressful life events – If there is a major event in your life, like the loss of a close family member, job loss or issues with a romantic partner, this can increase the risk
• Lack of support – A risk factor that often surprises people. Lack of support (emotionally and physically) from your partner, family, or friends can lead to postnatal depression. And yes, this does include support like doing things to help you with your baby. 
• Complications during pregnancy and/or child-birth – Women who experience complications during pregnancy, a difficult birth, or have a baby with health problems may be more likely to develop postnatal depression
• Previous postnatal depression
• Struggling to breastfeed – This can lead new-Mum’s to feel inadequate, a failure and like they aren’t a good Mum, which can trigger postnatal depression.
• Unplanned or unwanted pregnancies

 

It’s important that we are able to distinguish the different between baby blues and postnatal depression, as the latter can have severe and long-lasting consequences if left untreated.

Below is our comparison table, to help you understand the difference:

If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent symptoms beyond the first few weeks after childbirth, and these symptoms are in line with postnatal depression, you need to reach out to your GP or healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Postnatal depression is a treatable condition and the earlier you act can make a difference in a Mother’s recovery and overall well-being.

 

The postnatal period is a time of immense change, circumstantial, physical and emotional.

It isn’t talked about enough, but it is normal for the first few weeks after giving-birth feeling all a bit overwhelming and too much. Remember that baby blues are a normal step in the postpartum period. Those fluctuating emotions are your body going through the changes and starting the healing process.

But that doesn’t make it easy. Baby blues can be confusing and you may find yourself wondering if these feelings are normal?

We are here to reassure you…yes, they are.

It is when these feelings just don’t seem to go away past what we expect in the period of baby blues, and if these feelings feel more severe than needing a good 30-minute crying session. And if these feelings and symptoms disrupt your daily life, it is time to reach out.

You must listen to your emotions. Ignoring them will not make them go away. Doing that will just kick the problem further down the road.

Please, do not hesitate to reach out when you need help. Equally, if you are someone reading this knowing someone in the postnatal period, check in on them too.

There is support available for you. You do not have to navigate these feelings alone.

 

We want to help as best as we can. We dream of one day being able to offer a postnatal mental and emotional health service available for you. But in the meantime, below is some tips for getting the help you need:

• Speak with someone that you trust, about how you have been feeling. You need support right now.
• Make an appointment with your GP to discuss how you have been feeling and your options
• Ask for a referral from your GP to the perinatal mental health services
• Speak to your Midwife or Health Visitor about how you have been feeling. They may also be able to make the referral for you.
• If you are in a crisis and need help right away, please call emergency services.
• It is likely there are local charities and initiatives that may be able to help you. Try searching for them online.
• Take a walk down to your local community centre or doctors surgery, often times there are leaflets available with information.
• Mental Health Crisis Team, call 111

 

Are you struggling with your mental and emotional well-being since giving birth, and don’t know where to start? Read our postpartum self care – start here! blog to help you take that first step.