Baby blues and post-partum depression
To learn more about the symptoms of baby blues and post-partum depression, consult this page.
Baby blues
It’s normal after the birth of a baby, to experience mood swings and feel weepy. Many new mothers go through a temporary period of moodiness or sadness, referred to as the baby blues. The baby blues occur in the days following the birth of the baby and can last from a few days to two weeks. Hormonal changes and fatigue trigger this temporary blue period.
To feel better during this period, you can:
- try to get a little more help and support from loved ones;
- give yourself permission to take breaks and naps;
- talk about how you feel;
- take care of yourself;
- talk with other parents;
- enjoy skin-to-skin contact with your baby;
- and above all, let the tears flow without trying too much of understand or control them.
If this temporary blue period continues for more than two weeks or if your sadness and irritability worsen, you may be in a depression.
Post-partum depression
Depression is not uncommon. Approximately 1 in 10 women experience depression during pregnancy. After delivery, this number can go up to 2 in 10 women. Men can also experience psychological distress or depression during their partner’s pregnancy or after the baby’s arrival.
When a person is in a depression, they usually feel sad or generally lose interest and pleasure in their daily activities. Some of the following signs may also be present:
- An increase or decrease in appetite or weight
- Sleeping problems (sleeping too much or not enough)
- Psychomotor agitation or slowing (e.g., slowed speech)
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- A feeling of worthlessness or excessive guilt (e.g., feeling like you’re an inadequate parent or that you’re not emotionally bonding with your baby)
- Difficulty concentrating or indecisiveness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Some of these signs can be confused with normal changes that occur after a child’s birth (e.g., fatigue).
Men can feel the same symptoms as women. However, they may express their distress differently. For example, they may be more aggressive or irritable, have mood swings, and feel physical discomfort such as headaches or stomach aches, or have difficulty breathing. Some men may also adopt hyperactive behaviour (prolonged hours working or engaging in sports) or excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs.
Unlike the baby blues, which is temporary, the changes in behaviour and mood associated with depression are present almost every day, for at least two weeks.
We encourage you to consult a health professional, who will be able to answer your questions and provide support.
Source : From Tiny Tot to Toddler