Postpartum Depression
“Baby Blues” or Postpartum Depression?
It’s normal to have the “baby blues” for a few days to a week after giving birth. Symptoms of the “baby blues” are not extreme and will go away on their own:
- Feeling sad, anxious, or overwhelmed
- Crying a lot
- Mood swings
- No appetite
- Having a hard time sleeping
Postpartum depression is a different story, and it requires treatment from a doctor. One out of every 8 women experiences postpartum depression, which is caused by drastic changes in the hormone levels after giving birth—though it can begin anytime within a year of having a baby. The symptoms of postpartum depression are:
- No interest in the baby
- Thinking of hurting the baby
- Thinking of hurting yourself
Some women are more at risk for experiencing postpartum depression than others.
