If you just had a baby and you are experiencing sadness, mood swings, overwhelm or other symptoms, you are not automatically experiencing postpartum depression. Let me tell you a little bit about baby blues! Baby blues and PPD are often confused, but in reality, there are very diverse features that define them, such as duration, severity, and impact.
Baby blues usually begin 2-3 days postpartum and peak at around 4-5 days. They typically last around two weeks. Affecting 4 out of 5 new moms, this is a super common emotional shift that occurs for women post-birth! Symptoms look similar to those of PPD, displaying mood swings, irritability, tearfulness, feeling overwhelmed, and trouble sleeping. Usually, this can resolve on its own with the proper support and rest.
However, yes, it could be post-partum depression. According to Kimberly Landon, M.D, who focuses on postpartum depression statistics, “Approximately 1 in 10 to 15 women experience postpartum depression after giving birth, with some studies reporting 1 in 7 women. Postpartum depression generally lasts 3 to 6 months, but it can vary based on several factors.” PPD is a clinical depression that can occur any time in the 1st year after giving birth, and at times can even start during pregnancy. The symptoms are much more severe than those of baby blues, lasting about 2 weeks and interfering with daily life. There is persistent sadness, hopelessness, and emptiness, guilt of worthlessness, anxiety or panic, trouble bonding with the baby, loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, and even sometimes thoughts of harming oneself or the baby. For PPD, it is best to seek professional support in order to help work through some of the challenges.
If you find yourself with a case of the baby Blues or PPD, it is always okay and encouraged to seek help, whether it is short-term emotional dysregulation or longer-term PPD. You are always encouraged to take care of yourself, as to take care of everyone else, you need to take care of yourself first!