Ask Dr Pam Q&A

What is the difference between “baby blues” and postpartum depression?

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postpartum depression and baby blues differences

Up to 80% of all mothers experience some degree of low mood or “baby blues” generally starting around day two postpartum lasting up to two weeks. In rare cases baby blues can last a few months to a year. Symptoms include: irritability, crying for no reason, impatience, low self-esteem, restlessness, oversensitivity, anxiety, and lack of feelings for the baby (some degree of this is normal). When these feelings are more intense and frequent or include anger, panic, hopelessness, and severe anxiety, you may be experiencing postpartum depression (PPD). Approximately 10% of mothers experience PPD (which is more common than most might think). A more serious but much rarer disorder is postpartum psychosis which includes hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, or attempts to harm the infant. With postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis, pharmaceutical intervention may be required and can offer relief. If you have a family history of postpartum depression or psychosis let your healthcare provider know prior to delivery so they can monitor you appropriately.

Read this Q&A to find our more about why you may not mentally feel like your normal, pre-pregnant self postpartum.

This post has tips for helping women avoid exhaustion and low mood postpartum.

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