Postpartum Blues v.s. Postpartum Depression: What's The Difference?
Baby blues or postpartum mood disorder (PPMD)?
So you just had a baby 3 days ago– and now you find yourself crying while listening to “You Are My Sunshine” and while staring at your new little bundle of joy.
While it is common for many parents to have an influx of emotions after birth; usually due to hormonal changes, there are key signs for whether you are experiencing the “baby blues” or if you have postpartum depression (PPD).
What are the “baby blues”?
The “baby blues” is a term used to describe the time when parents experience feelings of sadness that usually come on 2-3 days after birth and may last up to 2 weeks postpartum. The cause for these feelings of sadness can develop from:
a sharp decrease in hormones after delivering
emotional distress brought on by the life changing event
decreased eating/sleeping while adjusting to life with a newborn
What is Postpartum Depression (PPD) or PPMD?
Even though the term “baby blues” is often used in reference to postpartum depression, they are not one and the same. Postpartum depression is when a new parent experience extreme symptoms such as sadness, mood swings, or anxiety that lasts longer than two weeks and can begin anytime within one year postpartum. Most cases of postpartum depression can worsen without medical intervention. One in five birthing people experience postpartum depression or postpartum mood disorder.
Who is at risk?
According to the Department of of Health and Human Services-USA,, all parents who are experiencing the birth of a new child are at risk of feeling “baby blues” and/or postpartum depression, but there is an increased chance if you:
have a personal history and/or family history with depression/ bipolar disorder
do not have family and friends support
were depressed during the pregnancy
had complications with a previous pregnancy and/or birth
have problems with a relationship or money
are younger than 20 years old
have a baby with special needs
have trouble breastfeeding
had an unplanned/unwanted pregnancy
What to do if you’re experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression or postpartum mood disorder?
If you are experiencing any “baby blues” or postpartum depression symptoms that last longer than 2 weeks or if you have a sudden onset of intense symptoms within 1 year of birth, please call your doctor, nurse, midwife, doula, or pediatrician.
They can ask you the questions to check for postpartum depression and refer you to a mental healthcare professional.
Below are some of our favorite mental health specialists:
Dr. Laura Tillman with Coastal Psychological Group
How to care for yourself in the postpartum period:
During the “fourth trimester” it is important to take care of YOU, including your mental health. A few examples of ways to help yourself during such a life-adjusting period are:
connecting with other moms
making time for self-care
resting when baby rests
asking for help
understanding life isn’t perfect
Download our FOURTH TRIMESTER WORKBOOK and learn more about postpartum mood disorder warning signs and get actionable steps to prepare for your postpartum journey.
We are here for you
Here at One Love Doula we are here to support you during such a magical and overwhelming time after delivery by being that extra set of hands. We come to you with no bias, an open heart, and even better ears to listen to all your worries, wins, and questions. You may be searching for a doula near me, Our Tampa Postpartum Doula professionals offer in home services in an effort to be an extra set of hands and be able to hold hands with you as you transition into parenthood. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.
Sources
Depression During and After Pregnancy. https://mchb.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/mchb/programs-impact/depression-during-after-pregnancy-en.pdf
Postpartum Support International. https://www.postpartum.net/
National International Child and Maternal Health Education Program. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/ncmhep/initiatives/moms-mental-health-matters/moms
Department of Health and Human Services- USA. https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/postpartum-depression
Are you or someone you love going through a crisis?
You may be thinking, “Where can I find a doula near me?” We provide Tampa doula support, childbirth education, placenta encapsulation, postpartum doula care, specialized lactation support by our CLC’s and IBCLC’s and birth photography for:
Tampa, St Petersburg
Land O’ Lakes
Lakeland
Plant City
Downtown Tampa
… and more!
Virtual services also available, let’s plan for your amazing birth and postpartum journey.
All with,