Postpartum Blues and Caregiver Health

Definition

• Postpartum blues (baby blues) are mood changes after welcoming a new child.

• This can happen after giving birth to a new child, and this can also happen to fathers and non-birthing parents.

• This can also happen after welcoming a child through foster care or adoption.

• More than half of new mothers have this for the first few weeks.

Health Information

Symptoms

• Feel sad, anxious, trapped or overwhelmed.

• Lose interest in things you usually enjoy.

• Have a hard time sleeping.

• Have trouble focusing or making decisions.

• Your mood can swing from happy and proud in one moment to sad and discouraged in the next.

• Symptoms start within a few days after childbirth and improve in 2 weeks.

Causes

• Sudden drop in maternal hormone levels after giving birth. This affects mood.

• Lack of good sleep and general exhaustion from caring for a newborn.

• Stress of your demanding new job caring for a baby.

• For some, changes in identity and career.

• Not enough family support and help caring for the newborn.

Care Advice

Key Points

• Baby blues are common in the first weeks after giving birth.

• Hormone changes and sleep deprivation are the main causes.

• Focus on your baby's needs. Ask for help with other demands.

• Here is some care advice that should help.

Ask for Help

• Ask for help from family and friends, especially in the first few weeks.

• No one can be on duty 24/7 without becoming exhausted. Taking care of a newborn is not a one-person job.

• Let family or friends run errands, do chores, make meals or help with childcare.

• Let someone watch your baby while you shower, relax or sleep.

• If you can, use a meal delivery service or babysitter for extra help.

Take Care of Yourself

• Let go of perfection. Give yourself time to adjust to your new role as a parent.

• Don’t feel guilty if you are not enjoying every aspect of taking care of your baby - it’s hard work!

• Take care of your body as it heals from childbirth.

• Eat a well-balanced diet. Drink 8 glasses of water a day.

• Take naps while your baby sleeps.

• Stay active. Get out of the house daily. Take a walk with your baby. Ask a friend to join you.

• To gain a sense of control over your life, try to build new routines.

Share Your Feelings

• Share how you feel with someone in your life who is a good listener.

• Talk with other new mothers about your shared experiences. Team up with people you know or join a new mom's group.

• Journal about your thoughts and feelings.

• Be kind to yourself. Know that feeling this way is normal.

• Reach out to national helplines for support. Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773 (https://www.postpartum.net/) or the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI (6265) (https://www.nami.org/Home).

What To Expect

• Baby blues will start to improve 10 to 14 days after childbirth.

• If your baby blues last longer than 3 weeks, talk to your doctor.

• In about 10% of new mothers, the postpartum blues can turn into postpartum depression. There are treatments that can help.

Call Your Health Care Provider If

• Baby blues last beyond 3 weeks

• You feel like harming yourself or your baby

• You have other questions or concerns

Therapists and Behavioral Health Resources