Postpartum Depression or Baby Blues

This blog looks at whether your symptoms may be indicative of postpartum depression or baby blues. Delivering a baby, whether it’s your first or not, is a huge life transition. It is a transformative experience, physically, mentally, and spiritually, for your body. Having solid support as you navigate the aftermath of childbirth is so crucial for your wellbeing!

 

With this experience, it is normal to experience something called the “baby blues”. The American Pregnancy Association shares that approximately 70-80% of new mothers experience mood swings or negative feelings after the birth of their child. Symptoms of baby blues usually occur two days after delivery, peak in intensity over a week, and resolve on their own within two weeks.

 

It is thought to happen due to a drop in hormone levels after experiencing sleep deprivation and other natural emotions from the childbirth experience. There can also be primary stress in caring for your newborn in the first few days after birth, no matter if you are a new mother or not. However, let’s take a look at the difference between postpartum depression and baby blues. 

 

Taking action at the sign of emotional or mental distress is crucial for your and your baby’s wellbeing. It can be scary navigating these difficult or uncomfortable feelings after giving birth. Therefore, it’s important to know that you deserve support! Consider reaching out to us for therapy in Simi Valley, CA. 

 

Difference between postpartum depression and baby blues

It is important to know the distinction between postpartum depression and baby blues. At first, it can be difficult to distinguish what you are experiencing, which can lead to increased feelings of stress or confusion. By working with a Simi Valley therapist, you can actively process and work through your thoughts and feelings. 

 

Baby Blues Symptoms

Several common symptoms for the baby blues include:

 

• Mood swings
• Crying spells
• Anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping / fatigue 
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Impatience
• Irritability

 

Women may feel incredible guilt or shame for experiencing these types of symptoms after childbirth. They may feel worried to open up about them to others, out of fear of not being understood or seen. It’s important to be gracious towards ourselves and our experiences. Experiencing these symptoms does not correlate to being a bad mom. Experiencing perinatal or postpartum depression does not correlate to being a bad mom. When you can best take care of yourself, you can best take care of your baby. 

 

Symptom Onset and Duration for Baby Blues

 

It is very common for baby blue symptoms to occur in new mothers in the first week or two of being postpartum. They are described as being mild and a short-term experience that eventually resolves on its own. This could be due to your body beginning to heal itself in tandem with feeling a bit more settled in with your baby each day. Based on current research around baby blues, it is a normal physiological, physical, and psychological reaction to what your body just went through. 

 

Coping with Baby Blues

 

The American Pregnancy Association shares ways to reduce the baby blues and take care of yourself; or aid a mother in supporting her. This includes having a trusted individual to talk to about your feelings, free of guilt, shame, or judgment. They recommend having a balanced diet as certain foods can improve or worsen your well-being.

 

Further tips include not putting pressure on yourself to be perfect and have it all figured out. It takes time for your body to heal from giving birth and adjust to this new life. Therefore, sleeping and feeding routines will be drastically different. By asking for help, such as someone to clean up or to cook or deliver meals, you can also experience relief from the baby blues.

 

Furthermore, consider getting fresh air and sunlight. Move your body gently and as appropriately, such as taking a walk around the block or letting your toes sink in the sand at the beach. Your life may feel overwhelming and inescapable at the beginning, so having changes of scenery can prevent anxiety and encourage different perspectives. 

 

Working with an anxiety therapist in Simi Valley, CA can also help you cope with the symptoms of baby blues. Make sure to read our blog on Signs It’s Time to Start Anxiety Therapy.

 

Postpartum Depression (now known as perinatal depression)

In the DSM-V, postpartum depression is now classified as a perinatal depression; although it was formally classified as postpartum. According to Psychiatry.org, depression can occur during pregnancy or after child birth. By using the word “perinatal”, we can recognize that the depression associated with having a baby often occurs during pregnancy. 

 

While it is viewed as a serious medical illness, it is treatable with the right support and resources. It can feel scary thinking about developing a perinatal or postpartum condition. However, there are many different kinds of professionals out there to support you.

 

Common symptoms for postpartum/perinatal depression include:

• Persistent sadness
• Intense feelings of guilt or shame
• Feelings of intense rage or irritability
• Difficulty bonding with or connecting to the baby
• Extreme exhaustion 

 

Severe symptoms are considered postpartum psychosis, which include visual or auditory hallucinations. One may also experience thoughts of harming themselves or their baby. In these instances, it is crucial to let your doctor, therapist, or someone you trust know what you are experiencing. If it feels urgent, call 911 or go to your nearest emerency room. There are behavioral health resources across Ventura County and Los Angeles County to provide support.

 

Symptom Onset and Duration for Perinatal Depression

Perinatal depression is considered a severe disorder that interferes with daily functioning and connecting with your baby. Symptoms can begin anytime during your pregnancy or within the first year after delivery. If the symptoms are not treated, they can worsen over time. 

 

Similar to the baby blues, fluctuating hormone or cortisol levels can be a risk factor for developing the condition. Other risks include a history of depression or anxiety, a lack of social support, financial struggles, or a traumatic pregnancy. 

 

Symptoms rarely resolve on their own and usually require treatment to subside. Whether it is prenatal or postpartum, untreated symptoms can last for several months to years. If your symptoms are lasting for more than two weeks, it is crucial to seek help and additional resources.

 

By working with a perinatal mental health clinician, you can begin experiencing relief from your symptoms. Consider reaching out to our therapist in Simi Valley today! Consider reading our blog on how therapy is an investment.

 

Treatment for Perinatal / Postpartum Depression

Seeking support for perinatal/postpartum depression can be a challenge in itself. You may feel defeated during this process, as finding the right fit can take some time. However, there are many mental health providers that specialize in treating this issue. It just takes some research, asking for referrals, and understanding what works best for your needs. 

 

Psychotherapy methods, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), are thought to be highly effective for treating postpartum/perinatal depression. However, your mental health provider may treat this issue through a different approach tailored to your needs. For example, you may also need trauma-informed care, or CBT may not be the right modality for you.

 

You may also be recommended to begin connecting with a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner. There are also providers for these services that specialize in providing care for women and/or mothers. These providers can share the benefits or consequences of taking medication for coping, and what is the safest to use while breastfeeding. 

 

Additional Forms of Support Alongside Treatment

Making lifestyle changes and involving yourself in direct, supportive care can support your treatment for perinatal/postpartum depression. There are support groups that help connect you with others that are experiencing similar issues, such as through Postpartum Support International.

 

Receiving practical support from your partner, family, or friends can relieve stress and pressure of juggling it all by yourself. This can look like asking for help with chores, watching the baby while you take a break, or cooking a meal. It can be hard asking for that kind of help, especially if you’re independent and like control over your areas. However, consider letting someone in to offer support here and there. 

 

Prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and exercise after childbirth is easier said than done. Especially if you don’t have a big support system and you’re feeling overwhelmed or alone. However, small steps towards your goals accumulate towards bigger changes. By prioritizing these three areas, you may notice significant changes in your symptom frequency or intensity.

 

You may be noticing a development of depressive symptoms during your pregnancy or after child birth. Consider connecting with a specialized mental health provider today to discuss this experience today.

 

In-person therapy in Simi Valley is ideal for those seeking a separate, safe space from their home. Check out our blog on Online Therapy or In Office Therapy to understand what format is best for you. Another great blog to read is ours on if you need Therapy or Medication to address your issues.

 

By seeking out support, you can begin your journey to feeling relief. You don’t have to go through finding the right level of support alone, either. By clicking here, you’ll read our blog on Information About Simi Valley Therapists.

 

Consider calling our therapy group at (805) 774-1506 for a free consultation on how you or a loved one can get started today!

 

Seek out a validating, safe environment with us today. We will help you get to where you want to be. Our therapists provide trauma therapy, teen therapy, individual adult therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, anxiety therapy, depression therapy, family therapy, and more in-office in Simi Valley, CA.