Many mothers experience the "baby blues," a period of time that includes mood swings, unexplained feelings of sadness and other emotional responses in the first few weeks of postpartum life. In fact, up to 80 percent of women reported negative feelings or mood swings after birth (American Pregnancy Association).
These mood swings are attributed to hormonal changes as the body readjusts after being pregnant. While the baby blues are very common in postpartum women, your OB/GYN is available to answer any questions and can offer guidance.
Unlike the baby blues, postpartum depression is a more serious medical condition that can be treated with medication and therapy. Postpartum depression occurs in approximately 15 percent of women and usually involves more severe symptoms than the baby blues.
Comparing the baby blues and postpartum depression:
| |
Baby Blues |
Postpartum Depression |
| Symptoms |
- Crying spells
- Feel overwhelmed
- Loss of appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Sudden mood changes
|
- Feeling sad, worthless, hopeless or guilty
- Feelings of unexplained anger or rage
- Worrying excessively or feeling on edge
- Loss of interest in hobbies or things you once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite or not eating
- Loss of energy and motivation
- Trouble sleeping or wanting to sleep all the time
- Crying for no reason or excessively
- Difficulty thinking or focusing
- Thoughts of suicide or wishing you were dead
- Lack of interest in your baby or feeling anxious around your baby
- Thoughts of hurting your baby or feeling like you don't want your baby
|
| Symptom duration |
0-3 weeks after birth |
More than three weeks after birth |
If you believe you may be experiencing postpartum depression, we urge you to seek care from your OB/GYN, mental healthcare provider or primary care provider. Therapy, support groups and medication are all options for women living with postpartum depression.
If you experience a mental health crisis, call 9-1-1 or seek emergency care immediately.
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For many women, the postpartum period is all about baby. However, paying attention to and taking care of your postpartum body is important too. In fact, physical therapy is available to new mothers who hope to speed up the physical recovery process.
Baptist Health System's outpatient physical therapy program, Healthlink, offers a comprehensive treatment plan for women after childbirth. This treatment plan includes assessing and treating bowel and bladder difficulties, pelvic pain, back pain and changes in posture that could have long-term effects on the mother.
Postpartum Rehab
