What are the baby blues?
Just a few days after giving birth, you may feel moody, weepy and irritable. This is called the baby blues
(Mind 2016). It’s probably the last thing you expected to feel after the joy and elation of having your baby.
The baby blues affects many new mothers
(Mind 2016, NHS 2018). As many as eight in 10 mums experience some changes in their mood after giving birth
(Mind 2016).
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You may feel:
- tearful, without knowing why (APNI 2016, NHS 2018)
- irritable or touchy (NHS 2018)
- low (NHS 2018)
- anxious and restless (APNI 2016, NHS 2018)
- tired, yet unable to sleep (APNI 2016)
What causes the baby blues?
The baby blues are thought to be linked to hormonal changes that happen during the week after giving birth
(APNI 2016, NHS 2018). Your body has some major adjustments to make, which may include coming down from the adrenaline high that you felt when your baby was born.
Pregnancy hormones gradually leave your body just as you are
producing breastmilk (APNI 2016). Your appetite may change too, though it’s not just physical changes that are happening to you. Your emotions are likely to be put through the wringer, too. The new sense of responsibility that comes with having a baby can be overwhelming.
The reality of what parenthood involves may not hit you until you are spending your first few days at home with your baby. However much you love being a mum, your new role could make you feel trapped and fretful.
You may be struggling to breastfeed and feel uncertain about
how to care for your newborn baby (APNI 2016). You may feel a huge anticlimax after the birth. You are likely to be exhausted, but you may not be able to get
a good night’s sleep or a
decent nap during the day, even when your sleeping baby allows it
(APNI 2016). You may find visits from family and friends stressful and tiring
(APNI 2016).
How long will the baby blues last?
At the moment, it may be hard to imagine a time when you won’t feel like this. But try not to worry, as things will get better, and quite quickly, too. The baby blues are not an illness, and usually last for just a few days
(NHS 2018).
The baby blues should lift without the need for treatment
(NHS 2018). With the right amount of rest, reassurance and understanding from your family and friends, you will soon start to feel better
(APNI 2016).
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However, if you feel increasingly
depressed and despondent, you may have
postnatal depression (PND)
(NHS 2018). If you think you might have PND, speak to your
midwife, health visitor or
doctor, who can offer you advice, support and treatment.
How can I help someone with the baby blues to feel better?
If you are a partner, relative or friend of a mum with the baby blues, reassure her that it’s normal to feel this way. She may be exhausted and unsure of herself. Remind her that she is learning a new skill and that she will gain more confidence with practice. Try the following:
- If she wants to cry, let her.
- Listen to her and reassure her that the baby blues are very common and she should feel better soon.
- Encourage her to rest as much as possible (APNI 2016).
Be sensitive and respectful if you are visiting. Try not to take over and assume she wants you to do the housework or cooking. Instead, ask if there's anything you can do to help
(NHS 2019).
Above all, let her know you are there for her, no matter what. Give her the space she needs to take care of herself, too
(Woolhouse et al 2015).
Bringing a new baby into the world can be stressful. Get tips on
how to combat stress.
