‘Baby Blues’ or Postpartum Depression?

Most new mothers experience baby blues, usually within the first 2-3 days after giving birth. It’s not uncommon to go through mood swings, crying spells, periods of anxiety or not being able to sleep. This can last up to two weeks.

Some new mothers may experience a more severe, longer-lasting, form known as postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is not a weakness nor is there something wrong with you, it’s simply a complication of giving birth.

Postpartum depression is often mistaken for baby blues due to the similarity of the symptoms. Postpartum symptoms, however, are more severe and last longer. Untreated, postpartum depression can interfere with your ability to bond with your baby and could last for several months longer than if you received treatment immediately.

Let’s compare some of the symptoms…

Baby Blues                                                        

• Mood Swings
• Crying                                                                
• Anxiety
• Sadness
• Irritability
• Appetite problems
• Reduced Concentration
• Trouble Sleeping  

 Postpartum Depression

• Depressed Mood or Severe Mood Swings
• Crying too much
• Severe anxiety and panic attacks
• Intense irritability and anger
• Loss of appetite or eating more than usual
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Inability to sleep or sleeping too much

Additional symptoms of postpartum depression can include fear you’re not a good mother, feelings of worthlessness, thoughts of harming yourself or your baby or suicide.

If you believe you are experiencing postpartum depression, don’t hesitate, call our office immediately at 937-323-7340. Appointments can also be made on our patient portal (myhealthrecord.com) or website (www.physurg.net).

We take postpartum depression very seriously and we are here to help you through this with compassion and understanding. We are here to care for you!

Reference: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617