Everyone, that is, except you. You're not alone. At least 50 to 80 percent of new mothers experience the baby blues, a mild form of depression that begins a few days to a week after delivery, and generally lasts no longer than two weeks. If you have the blues, you may be weepy, anxious, and unable to sleep. You may also be irritable and moody.
Moms often find themselves feeling better after getting some rest and help with the baby.
If your mood doesn't lift within a week or two, you may have postpartum depression. About 10 percent of new mothers develop full-blown clinical depression, which can last from two weeks to as long as a year. Women with PPD may also experience a loss of appetite or panic attacks. A small number of women worry about being able to care for their kids. Others report feeling suicidal, or having intrusive thoughts about harming their babies.