Soft Rock Country Standards TALK Dr. The baby blues are characterized by a short period of volatile emotions, commonly occurring between the second and fifth postpartum days and affecting between 80 and 90 percent of new mothers. PPD affects from 10 to 16 percent of new mothers. Aside Time for Each Other Relaxing Symptoms cover a wide range, including irritability, frequent crying, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, lack of energy and motivation, disturbances of appetite and sleep, lack of interest in sex and feelings of being unable to cope with new demands.
Anxiety often shows up in lack of affection for the baby and, in turn, self-blame and guilt.
PPD can have serious implications for the infant as well. A number of studies show an association between maternal depression and later developmental problems in the child, including behavioral disturbances, ill health, insecure attachments and depression. The outlook for mothers suffering from PPD is good if diagnosis and treatment are started early. When there is a long delay in starting treatment, the depression may last longer. Often, short-term psychotherapy is all that's needed.