Comparing Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Blues

Having a baby is a major life change, and while happiness is an expected emotion, many mothers often feel overwhelmed and may have mood swings as well. Even though it’s normal to feel this way after giving birth, it is important to note the difference between postpartum blues, known as “baby blues” and postpartum depression. 

A large amount of people who have just given birth experience postpartum blues. These are very short lasting decreases in mood that may be caused by the life changes and stress of having a new baby (Fields and Seed, 2024). 

Symptoms often begin within 2 or 3 days of birth and improve in about 1 to 2 weeks (Fields and Seed, 2024).  Risk factors that can lead to development of postpartum blues include history of mood changes during menstruation, mood changes during pregnancy, or having a family history of postpartum depression (Balaram and Marwaha, 2023). 

On the other hand, postpartum depression is a more severe form of depression that new moms experience. While postpartum depression can be mistaken with postpartum blues initially, symptoms often become much more severe. New mother’s with postpartum depression can experience a wide variety of symptoms that may include appetite changes, inability to sleep, fatigue, energy loss, anger and hopelessness (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2022). 

These symptoms often last much longer (up to a year after delivery) and quick treatment can help with symptom management. Risk factors include history of depression, bipolar disorder, prior history of postpartum depression, life stressors, difficulty breastfeeding, family history of depression and mood disorders (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2022).

If at any point you feel you experience these symptoms, reach out to your doctor for further guidance. If you are having suicidal thoughts, call 911 or local emergency line for help. 

References: 

Balaram, K., & Marwaha, R. (2023, March 6). Postpartum Blues. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554546/

Fields, L., & Seed, S. (2024, July 31). Postpartum depression: How it differs from the “Baby Blues.” WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/depression/postpartum-depression/postpartum-depression-baby-blues

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022, November 24). Postpartum depression. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617