What the Deal with Baby Blues?

What are the “Baby Blues?”
Baby blues are defined as “A common temporary psychological state right after childbirth when a new mother may have sudden mood swings, feeling very happy, then very sad, cry for no apparent reason, feel impatient, unusually irritable, restless, anxious, lonely and sad. The baby blues may last only a few hours or as long as 1 to 2 weeks after delivery.” Baby blues are very common and approximately 70-80% of new mothers will experience them.
Why do Baby Blues happen?
Although the cause of baby blues is unknown at this time, it is thought that after a mother gives birth, there are some major hormonal shifts and changes taking place that may produce chemical changes in the brain that cause this phenomenon. During this time, moms are often in pain are also experiencing sleep deprivation for possibly the first time in their life. Understandably, all of these factors together are a force to be reckoned with.
What are the symptoms?
Moms experiencing the baby blues may feel suddenly weepy, irritable, or impatient. They may also experience restlessness, fatigue, anxiety, or the inability to concentrate.
How can I feel better?
Following the birth of your baby, it’s really important to take care of yourself. Take a warm shower, allow others to help with meals, cleaning and laundry, don’t feel ashamed of your feelings, and rest when you can. You can also take a walk, drink some warm tea, or journal about your feelings.
What if they don’t go away?
If baby blues persist beyond 2 weeks or your symptoms are more severe than above, make sure you talk to your OB or get in touch with a therapist who can help you. These could both be an indicator of Postpartum Depression, a form of depression that effects many new moms. Postpartum depression is nothing to be ashamed of and with the help of a therapist and medications, if needed, moms often report that they feel much better. Check out these resources for postpartum depression in the Washington, D.C. area.