It's the best of times; information technology's the worst of times. Nope — this isn't merely a famous line from Charles Dickens — information technology's likewise how up to 80 percentage of new moms feel for a few days or weeks later on childbirth. These feelings are oft chosen the "baby blues," perhaps because they seem to appear (accordingly) out of the blue, bringing on unexpected feelings of sadness and irritability, bouts of crying, restlessness and anxiety.

But these emotions also make new moms feel blue, as in down in the dumps, and this mood can be especially disconcerting since having a baby is supposed to brand you happy, not miserable (correct?). Take heart, and know that while the infant blues aren't much fun, they're often quite temporary, which means yous'll soon exist back to normal and fix to face the mean solar day (and your baby!) with a smile.

What are the infant blues?

The baby blues, which are also sometimes called the postpartum dejection, are feelings of sadness that many women experience in the early days after giving nascency. This blue mood tends to boot in on twenty-four hour period 2 or 3 postpartum and tin can last for a few weeks. But there'south good news: Very often, the baby blues go away on their ain, without whatsoever special treatment, intervention or medication.

What are the symptoms of the baby blues?

The symptoms of the baby blues may include ane or more than of the post-obit:

  • Sadness, moodiness, anxiety
  • Crying spells
  • Loss of appetite
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Feeling overwhelmed by baby tasks
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

What causes the baby blues?

It's actually piece of cake to empathise why the infant blues can ingather up if you stride back and accept an objective wait at what'due south going on in your life, your body and with your emotions in the days after y'all give birth. Hither's what's happening:

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  • Changes in hormone levels. Estrogen and progesterone drop precipitously subsequently childbirth.
  • A tough delivery. A physically debilitating labor followed by an exhausting homecoming — all compounded past the round-the-clock demands of newborn care — can brand whatsoever new mom feel overwhelmed.
  • Shock and guilt when yous meet your baby. You might be struggling with mixed emotions virtually your new role as a parent.
  • Difficulties breastfeeding. Sore nipples, painful engorgement, latching bug and more than can make the outset few weeks postpartum incredibly challenging.
  • Stress in your relationship. You may wonder if your romantic life will ever return to the way it used to exist.

With such an overwhelming laundry list of challenges to face up (and don't even mention the laundry…which you lot oasis't started on!), it'south no wonder you might exist feeling a little down.

How are the baby blues different from postpartum depression (PPD)?

To tell the difference betwixt the infant blues and more than serious postpartum depression, check in with the severity of your feelings, and note how long they last.

  • The baby blues: With the baby blues, you lot'll likely experience sad, worried and tired, but each of these will be on the mild side (equally in, you lot perk up after a nap, a walk or talking with a friend). And these blue feelings tend to subside in two weeks without treatment.
  • Postpartum depression:A example of PPD is a possibility if your teary days stretch longer than 2 weeks or y'all feel extremely broken-hearted or deeply depressed. PPD is a more serious mood disorder and intense in nature, which ways information technology requires treatment, ofttimes medication, therapy or a combination of the two, in lodge to feel like your erstwhile cocky again.

What are some means to manage the baby blues?

Go along in heed that the baby blues will likely fade in the first two weeks as you conform to your new life and get more rest. In the meantime, here are some tips to help elevator yous out of a postpartum slump:

  • Lower the bar.Remember, you won't be overwhelmed for long. Later on a week or two, you're likely to feel much more comfy in those parental shoes. For now, lower your expectations for yourself — and and so lower them some more. Make this your mantra (even after yous've get a parenting pro): There's no such matter as a perfect parent or a perfect baby.
  • Don't go it alone.Trying to bargain with a crying newborn, that mountain of spit-up-stained laundry and a sink full of dirty dishes all past yourself is beyond depressing, especially if you add together in the hope of another sleepless night. The fix? Enquire for support from your partner, mother, sis or friends.
  • Treat yourself. Consider a moving picture, a dinner date with your partner (fifty-fifty if y'all merely order in and lite some candles), a quick manicure or just a long shower. Occasionally make yourself, and not baby intendance or housework, a priority. Y'all deserve it!
  • Leave the house. It's amazing what a change of scenery and some fresh air can do for your state of heed. Plan an outing at to the lowest degree once a twenty-four hour period: Accept your baby to the park or become for a walk outside with friends (and, if your friends are also new moms, you can bandy sob stories — and so express joy!).
  • Snack the correct way.New moms are often likewise busy feeding their babies to feed themselves — a big no-no, since low blood sugar transport energy levels and moods plummeting.  To stay on an fifty-fifty keel, keep salubrious snacks handy (cheese sticks, veggies, fruit, cereal, trail mix).
  • Stay hydrated. New moms, specially those who breastfeed, demand to keep up their liquids. Stash a water bottle or flavored seltzer where you nurse, burp or stone your babe. But ease up on alcohol, equally it tin can dry you out, affect your mood and make you experience worse, plus drinking and baby care don't mix.
  • Cry — and laugh.If you need a expert cry, get for information technology. But when you're done, plough on your favorite sitcom and laugh besides. You know what they say: Laughter is the best medicine. Go online to discover airheaded memes or TikToks or follow a hilarious Instagram handle for a fast chuckle any time you lot need information technology.

Yet blue, no matter what you practice? Go on on reminding yourself that you'll likely outgrow the baby blues inside a week or two — most moms do — though if feelings of low persist or worsen, make an appointment to speak with your practitioner almost your symptoms.

When to talk to your doctor about the infant blues

Screening for depression is part of your pregnancy and postpartum healthcare appointments, so your doctor and your child'southward pediatrician should be checking in at regular intervals to assess your mood. But y'all can — and should — talk with your doctor at whatever point, but especially if you're feeling down.

Remember that you're non alone. Being a new parent is difficult work and the baby blues are very mutual. Reach out for assist then you tin can feel better fast.