The term “baby blues” refers to the emotional state that follows childbirth. During this period, hormonal levels drop significantly, leading to fatigue, sleep deprivation, and rapid mood swings. This temporary, fragile emotional state, which can be likened to a brief depression, affects 60-80% of women in the first month postpartum. New mothers may find themselves crying, experiencing frequent mood changes, and feeling impatient or fatigued.
Postpartum depression occurs when the symptoms become more severe and pronounced. The new mother may experience increased difficulty sleeping, fluctuations in appetite, feelings of incompetence, a general loss of interest in activities, and a diminished sense of pleasure in things she once enjoyed.
Between 10-15% of new mothers will be diagnosed with postpartum depression, but this is clearly underestimated because many women will hide their symptoms, isolate themselves and refuse to ask for help.
Socially, negative feelings are stigmatised, because mothers are supposed to be happy. This leads to increased feelings of distress and guilt, which makes the new mother even more depressed.
Her support network can make all the difference in helping the new mother cope. Listen without judging, helping her rest, encouraging her, helping around the home – all of this is very important for a new family.
If you need help, it’s there for you!
To learn more:
- the videos Postpartum Depression
- the videos Perinatal Depression
- and Mothers and Recovery Post-Childbirth (french only)
Marie Fortier
The Baby Expert
