Soon after giving birth, nearly 80 percent of all moms will experience an emotional roller coaster known as ‘baby blues’. This is due to the sudden drop in the levels of hormones that help you sustain a healthy pregnancy. Along with this, sleep deprivation and life transition of becoming a parent can overwhelm you in the early days. Baby blues usually goes away as your body begins adjusting to the new role.

However, 20 percent of women experience symptoms that may be more serious. This is known as postpartum depression or anxiety. They may confuse one with the other and it is important to know the difference between postpartum depression and baby blues. This will help them seek professional help when needed.

Here are some basic guidelines to help differentiate between baby blues and postpartum depression:

Baby Blues

1. You feel weepy and cry all the time. You may be emotional and/or extremely vulnerable. Some women have described it as something similar to a very bad PMS.
2. Your symptoms last about two weeks after giving birth.
3. You may experience mood instability, depressed mood, sadness, irritability, anxiety, lack of concentration and/or feelings of dependency.

Postpartum Depression

1. You feel weepy and have a sense of being overwhelmed for longer than three weeks after giving birth.
2. You feel unable to function and have symptoms that may be unbearable.
3. You are unable to sleep, even though you are exhausted.
4. You want to sleep all the time and are generally sleeping more than usual.
5. You are crying continuously.
6. You can’t seem to enjoy your baby at all or don’t want to spend time with your baby.
7. You feel afraid of your baby.
8. You experience a dramatic change in your appetite.
9. You are troubled by anxious thoughts about your baby being harmed.
10. You feel intense rage.
11. You have a personal or family history of depression or anxiety.
12. You may find yourself withdrawing from activities that you normally enjoy.
13. You feel that you have lost yourself and think of harming yourself.
14. You believe that your family would be better off without you, or that you never should have become a mother.

Many women find it difficult to recognize and acknowledge postpartum depression. It is important to make them understand the difference so they can reach out for help, if needed. Postpartum depression is very common and can be treated. When left untreated, postpartum depression can turn into chronic depression that is much harder to treat. If you experience any of the above symptoms, don’t hesitate to talk to our experts at KIMS Cuddles. Their treatment and support will help you feel better so that you can enjoy life with your new family.

*Information shared here is for general purpose Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.