Most people have heard of “the baby blues.” But did you know there is a difference between the baby blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum anxiety? PPD and PPA are medical conditions that need treatment to improve, and although anyone in the postpartum period can be at risk, you don’t need to worry – there is help available! This topic was requested by one of our readers, and in this post we’ll be discussing the differences between the three conditions and how they are treated, including things you can do at home in addition to seeking medical attention.
The Baby Blues
According to the American Pregnancy Association (2021), “approximately 70-80% of all new mothers experience some negative feelings or mood swings after the birth of their child”. Because of hormones during pregnancy and after childbirth, chemical changes in the brain can occur resulting in this milder form of postpartum depression. The symptoms of the baby blues tend to disappear by a few weeks after childbirth, and include mood swings, feeling overwhelmed, irritability, and reduced concentration just to name a few.
The baby blues will usually go away after a few weeks, but in the meantime, work on getting as much rest as possible, accept any help you may be given, don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed, try to find time to take care of yourself, and connect with other new moms when possible.
Postpartum Depression
Unlike the “baby blues,” postpartum depression doesn’t just go away on its own. Although postpartum depression can seem scary, it is 100% treatable and fairly common. In fact, research shows that up to 1 in 7 moms will experience postpartum depression (Wisner et al., 2013). There are several factors that put you at risk for postpartum depression: low socioeconomic status, history of depression, history of stressful conditions, lack of familial support, and unwanted pregnancy are just a few (Ahmed et al., 2021). The difference between the baby blues and postpartum depression can look like the inability to bond with your baby, restlessness, hopelessness, feeling inadequate, excessive crying, and recurring thoughts of death and/or suicide. The media has shared many stories of women suffering from postpartum depression without being treated that harm their children, but postpartum depression can also look like a desire to harm yourself.
Postpartum depression is usually treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both. With appropriate treatment, symptoms usually improve, but it is important to stay the course and continue treatment even after you initially feel better.
Postpartum Anxiety
Postpartum depression gets a lot of press, but what about postpartum anxiety? Some of the symptoms overlap (like sleep disruption, even when the baby sleeps), but what sets postpartum anxiety apart from postpartum depression is a constant or near-constant worry that won’t go away. You may feel dread or have racing or intrusive thoughts, have heart palpitations, or hyperventilate. The anxiety can even result in panic attacks. It’s a lot to deal with when you’re already dealing with a newborn, but don’t worry: just like postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety is 100% treatable.
Postpartum anxiety is also usually treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Your prenatal care provider should monitor you throughout pregnancy for signs of depression. If you notice something is off, do not hesitate to let them know. After your child is born, you will typically have a 6-week postpartum check with your provider and they will assess you for postpartum anxiety and depression at that time. Again, do not hesitate to let them know of your concerns, and be sure to attend your 6-week appointment. Often, pediatricians’ offices will have a mother fill out a questionnaire the first few visits to assess you for postpartum anxiety and depression as well. If symptoms develop after that time (which is possible), be sure to reach out for more professional help.
You may be reluctant or even embarrassed to admit that you need help, but if you are feeling depressed or anxious after the birth of your baby, call your doctor as soon as possible.
It’s important to be aware that you can develop PPD or PPA with a second, third, fourth, etc. pregnancy even if you have not had it with previous pregnancies. If at any point you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, seek assistance from loved ones to take immediate care of your child and call 9-1-1 for help.
Helping a friend
People with postpartum depression or anxiety may not even realize what is going on and that they need help. Don’t wait and hope that things will improve; if you suspect a loved one is suffering, help them get help immediately
Although fathers may not experience the hormone changes in pregnancy, that doesn’t mean they are immune to postpartum stress. When a mother is depressed, chances are that the father may feel similar stress. Again, in this situation, seeking help is a necessary step.
“Home remedies”
These are things that can help in addition to professional help. They should not be a substitution for professional help such as therapy and medication, but rather, a supplement to that assistance.
Especially for c-section mamas, physical activity may be difficult in the initial days or weeks. Once you are able, try to introduce some physical activity back into your daily routine, such as going on a walk with your baby. The endorphins that accompany exercise can help improve your mood and you can bond with your baby during this time.
Avoid isolation as much as possible. The postpartum period may feel lonely, but there are many others who have been through it and are willing to help you. If they don’t offer help, please do not be afraid to ask for it yourself. If someone offers to watch the baby so you can sleep or shower, take them up on it. It’s important to take time for yourself, and even time with your partner.
Try to set realistic expectations for yourself. You can’t do it all and you shouldn’t be expected to, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Do what you are able and leave the rest.
Help is available to you. More information on postpartum anxiety and depression can be found here.
If you are pregnant or in the postpartum period, make a list of individuals you can reach out to when you need help – whether it be a meal, watching your baby, or more.
If you are looking to help someone who you think may be suffering, reach out, now. Do not ask what you can do to help, find what you can do to help.
References
Ahmed, G. K., Elbeh, K., Shams, R. M., Malek, M. A. A., & Ibrahim, A. K. (2021). Prevalence and predictors of postpartum depression in Upper Egypt: A multicenter primary health care study. Journal of Affective Disorders, 290, 211–218. https://doi-org.erl.lib.byu.edu/10.1016/j.jad.2021.04.046
Baby Blues. American Pregnancy Association. (2021, July 16). Retrieved October 4, 2021, from https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/first-year-of-life/baby-blues/.
Gueron, S. N., Shahar, G., Volkovich, E., & Tikotzky, L. (2021). Prenatal maternal sleep and trajectories of postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms. Journal of Sleep Research, 30(4). https://doi-org.erl.lib.byu.edu/10.1111/jsr.13258
Shulman, B., Dueck, R., Ryan, D., Breau, G., Sadowski, I., & Misri, S. (2018). Feasibility of a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy group intervention as an adjunctive treatment for postpartum depression and anxiety. Journal of Affective Disorders, 235, 61–67. https://doi-org.erl.lib.byu.edu/10.1016/j.jad.2017.12.065
Shorey, S., Chee, C. Y. I., Ng, E. D., Chan, Y. H., Tam, W. W. S., & Chong, Y. S. (2018). Prevalence and incidence of postpartum depression among healthy mothers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 104, 235–248. https://doi-org.erl.lib.byu.edu/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2018.08.001
Wisner KL, Sit DKY, McShea MC, et al. Onset Timing, Thoughts of Self-harm, and Diagnoses in Postpartum Women With Screen-Positive Depression Findings. JAMA Psychiatry. 2013;70(5):490–498. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2013.87
McKay Strongis a Texas native. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in Family Life. McKay works full-time at a local nonprofit, has been married for three years, and recently gave birth to her daughter. She is a proud Ravenclaw and an even prouder cat mom. McKay is passionate about self-love, body positivity, healthy sexuality, and breaking the stigma against mental illnesses. Also, Harry Potter.
As a new mom myself, I am all too familiar with the many changes that accompany postpartum. The complete joy; the exhaustion; the new family dynamics; the physical recovery; the bonding; the new body; modified social and work dynamics and countless other changes that one truly can’t prepare for.
Experiences during postpartum vary widely, ranging from tears of discouragement to inexplicable joy—sometimes within a matter of minutes! In hopes of shedding some light on the realities of postpartum, I’ve asked over a dozen new moms about their experiences. These brave mothers candidly share the highs and lows of their transition into motherhood; how they find solace on hard days and invaluable advice for expectant moms. The full interview can be found here.
In this post, I’ve summarized their responses into four essential tips on how to thrive in postpartum, and included some experiences of women with postpartum depression and/or anxiety integrated with what the experts have to say about it.
#1 Be Patient With Yourself
Being patient with yourself is key in postpartum! It takes practice to learn how to best meet your baby’s needs, and communication with an infant can be tricky. Be kind to yourself as you learn the ropes of motherhood.
Photo by Jenna Christina on Unsplash
“It is easy to be overwhelmed and feel like I am not enough or I am not doing enough. Even if I feel like I am a good mom 99% of the time I tend to dwell on the one moment I lost my patience for a second.”
Remember to avoid comparing your progress with your perception of other moms. Everyone’s journey looks different, and things are rarely as they seem.
“Nowadays with social media you can see everybody’s perfect moments, and not their everyday, and so that’s what you compare to. They look happy, their house is so clean, why isn’t mine? But you have to remember that every situation is different and what people post isn’t always reality.”
#2 Take Time to Recharge
Being 100% responsible for a little one can be really taxing. Surrounding yourself with family and friends who can support you in this new endeavor makes a world of difference. Research has shown that the well-being of first time mothers is indicative of the support of her social network (Leahy et al., 2012).Just as the old proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Use your village!
Photo from pexels.com
“Bring on a trusted team of helpers to help care for your baby, husband, kids and you. Take care of yourself physically and emotionally. You need all of the strength to get you through the first few months, especially.”
Self-care is crucial to maintaining our identity outside of motherhood. Try making a list of things you enjoy doing and then make the time to do them! You will feel refreshed and be better able to care for your loved ones.
“I think once I get out of the house I feel a lot better. Even if it’s just for a walk around the block. Sometimes the only way to get out of the house is with messy hair and no makeup but I always feel better.”
#3 Trust Your Intuition
Many people will have opinions on what is ‘best.’ Trust your intuition! You are more than capable to care for your baby as you see fit.
Photo by Dakota Corbin on Unsplash
“DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU. Mom-guilt is real and I can really be hard on myself, especially when I feel like I’m not living up to expectations (either ones that I have set for myself, or ones that I feel like others have for me).”
Our motherhood journeys will all look different because each mother, baby and situation are unique. Remember to “go with your gut” and do what you feel is best—even if it isn’t popular among friends or family.
“Rather than doing what the books tell you to do or everything that others tell you to do, trust yourself. You do have motherly instincts and they’ll kick in to help you. Books and advice from others are there to simply make your life easier and bring you more joy, so if that advice is taking away the joy of motherhood, then let it go and do things your way.”
#4 Redefine Success
Success in motherhood looks different! In the first few weeks after my baby was born, I had a hard time feeling successful at the end of each day. My to-do list became extremely simple (ex. ‘take a shower,’ or ‘clip baby’s nails’). I became disenchanted with the monotony of my small accomplishments.
“When another person depends on you for everything, suddenly the easiest household tasks seem monumental—especially on limited sleep.”
I’ve since learned that success isn’t completing a well thought out to-do list! I fed, diapered, sang to, read to, played with, soothed and cherished my baby all day long (tasks that didn’t appear on my to-do list). To me, that has become success.
“…this tiny sweet person will only be little for so long. I am slowly learning to not sweat the small things and that playing hide and seek is much more important than finishing the laundry.”
Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
“Postpartum depression is a real thing, and I think every new mom no matter if she experiences it or not, is a soldier for what she goes through. Virtually no part of your body, mind, or soul goes untouched after becoming a mother.”
Approximately 8–14 % of US women experience postpartum depression, yet fewer than half of these women ever receive treatment (Farr et al., 2016). This often stems from the notion that postpartum depression and anxiety are not permanent conditions and that you can just “ride-it-out.” When left unacknowledged or untended, these conditions can have lasting effects and overshadow the joys of motherhood.
Photo from pexels.com
It’s important to educate yourself on both the typical and atypical symptoms of postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety/OCD. Click here and here for two different articles that help explain these symptoms.
After giving birth, there is a significant shift in hormones that often cause mothers to experience mood swings. A few blue days of feeling tired and overwhelmed are considered ‘typical’ while extended periods of feeling hopeless are not. If you are consumed by feelings of sadness, guilt or anxiousness, reach out and get the help you need.
“DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP. I started seeing my therapist as soon as my anxiety felt higher than normal after giving birth. I have generalized anxiety disorder, so my husband and I were on alert, knowing that I was at a higher risk for postpartum. Getting professional help has really helped me to keep going.”
“I now know I had postpartum anxiety/OCD after B was born. For the first few months I hardly slept or would leave my baby alone in a room. I was so worried about him and his safety. It was hard because I was worried that I would feel like that forever. I of course still worry about him but not in the same obsessive way. I was ashamed to tell anyone my “crazy” thoughts and feelings and didn’t reach out when I needed to the most.”
Conclusion:
The key to THRIVING in postpartum is not going at it alone or with unrealistic expectations. Celebrate the mundane but important victories and surround yourself with a support network that validates you in the most important undertaking you will ever face!
As you hit that daily wall of “I have no idea what I am doing” or experience the euphoria of “I’m so happy my heart could burst”, take a step back and remember that this is the nature of motherhood and that you are in good company.
References
Farr, S. L., Ko, J. Y., Burley, K., & Gupta, S. (2016). Provider communication on perinatal depression: A population-based study. Archives of Women’s Mental Health, 19(1), 35–40. https://doi-org.erl.lib.byu.edu/10.1007/s00737-014-0493-9
Hussmann, M. D. (2021). Demystifying first-time mothers’ postpartum mental health: A phenomenological study of the transition to becoming a mother [ProQuest Information & Learning]. In Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering (Vol. 82, Issue 8–B).
Leahy, W. P., McCarthy, G., & Corcoran, P. (2012). First‐time mothers: Social support, maternal parental self‐efficacy and postnatal depression. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 21(3–4), 388–397. https://doi-org.erl.lib.byu.edu/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2011.03701.x
Lee, H. Y., Edwards, R. C., & Hans, S. L. (2019). Young first-time mothers’ parenting of infants: The role of depression and social support. Maternal and Child Health Journal. https://doi-org.erl.lib.byu.edu/10.1007/s10995-019-02849-7
Shirley Anderson is a Utah native and the youngest of five children. She has been married to her sweetheart for three years, and together they have recently begun the journey of parenthood to a darling little girl and are currently living in Stuttgart, Germany. Shirley graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in Family Life and Human Development.
If you are pregnant or in the postpartum period, make a list of individuals you can reach out to when you need help – whether it be a meal, watching your baby, or more.
McKay Strong 
