Baby Blues vs Postpartum Depression: How to Cope
By: Sarah D
Tags: Baby Blues, Baby, Postpartum, Moms, Postpartum Depression

To describe the months and days during your pregnancy and leading up to the birth of your child as an emotional rollercoaster is an understatement. But to believe that the mood swings will completely end when you deliver your baby would be absolutely inaccurate.

People interchangeably use the terms Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression for this post-birth phase because of the similarities between the two. And we’ll start with their comparable aspects.

Understand that it is completely normal to feel irritable, tearful or sad, and even hopeless out of nowhere. That you are not alone in these feelings and that problems that you are encountering are commonplace. With this mindset you will be better equipped to deal with these emotions knowing that many have come before you. And they have survived if not outright thrived during this difficult period.

And you can too.

It might help you to understand what the cause is behind the anxiety or difficulty sleeping. Remember that there are both external and internal factors at play here.

Internal influences include the hormones that your body was used to receiving during the pregnancy, are still inside you post-delivery, and the new hormones that are currently being produced. You have also lost a considerable amount of weight and as expected are likely extremely tired because of that.

But we can’t neglect the external influences as well. Now that your baby is out into the real world they’ll need to be taken care of. And unfortunately babies have no concept of your fatigue and will demand your attention at their whim. Your partner may also be adapting from being your partner to a caregiver as well, and this change in relationship dynamic can also be unsettling as your support systems adjust.

While it is unlikely that you’ll be able to completely be 100% for the next few weeks there are a multitude of ways you can at least alleviate the discomfort you’re experiencing.

First, there is never any shame in asking for help. What’s important is that you find a way to minimize your exhaustion. As counterintuitive as it may sound it’s exactly like what they tell you to do on airplanes in case of an emergency. Take care of yourself first so you can properly assist someone else.

If your body and mind are refreshed you’ll be better able to cope with the changes in your life as a new parent. Set up a schedule with your partner, ask friends or family to take over for a few hours, or even consider hiring external help like a night nurse.

I highly recommend the latter if you can afford it simply because there’s no guilt involved when hiring one and they are professionals who have seen it all and will reliably be there for extended periods of time.

Second, avoid any and all substances that may alter your brain chemistry. This includes caffeine in coffee, tea, and chocolate, unnecessary drugs or medications, and especially alcohol. Alcohol is exceptionally dangerous as it can cause dangerous interactions with any prescriptions that you’re currently on.

All of these can unpredictably affect and worsen your emotional state. While it may feel pleasant in the short run it is not worth the effects later on.

Lastly, practice self-care. It may sound like the most clichéd piece of advice but it is a solid one. When you care for yourself, you feel better. And when you feel better, you can care for your newborn better.

Most mothers will feel best after any amount of sleep. Don’t ever underestimate how good even a 15 minute nap can make you feel. Sleep is the ultimate equalizer and helps your body restore some of your natural equilibrium.

Though sometimes this fatigue could simply be because you’re not properly feeding yourself! Even if you don’t feel the need it’s important to get quality and nutritious food into your body. Make sure to stay properly hydrated and to refrain from consuming liquids with caffeine and/or high amounts of sugar.

So what is the difference between the Baby Blues and Postpartum depression then?

The biggest and easiest differentiator is time. The Baby Blues should last no longer than two weeks. Anything longer than that and you might have Postpartum depression.

The first thing you should do is consult your doctor and try and see them earlier than the routine 6 week check-up. They’ll be able to properly assess you and your situation and help work out solutions that you can implement in your home.

You should be extra vigilant if you have a past history of mental health issues including but not limited to depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety. Having a history of these conditions makes you much more likely at developing Postpartum Depression or worse, Postpartum Psychosis.

A woman who has advanced to Postpartum Psychosis is at a very real risk of harming not only herself, but her child. Symptoms include paranoia and suspiciousness, auditory or visual hallucinations, and delusional or strange beliefs.

While many women may not experience Postpartum Depression it is common enough that every woman should be cognizant of it and prepared for. It is a very real disorder and can heavily impact your new family life.

So be open about your experiences and emotions when talking to your family, friends, and healthcare providers. Because at the end of the day these are things that will affect your bonding and quality time with your baby as well as the relationships you have with the others in your household.