Baby Blues, Postpartum Depression, and Postpartum Psychosis

September 18, 2008

You may have already read the article about differentiating between the blues and depression while you are pregnant, and another about postpartum depression. But what can happen after your baby is born can be quite scary, and can range from what is commonly called the baby blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis.

The baby blues usually happen right after your baby is born and it normally goes away within a few days to a week. Your symptoms won’t be severe and won’t need treatment. What you will need is a lot of rest (sleep when your baby does!) and some reassurance form others that what you are feeling is entirely normal and to be expected.

Postpartum depression can happen up to a year after your baby is born. You’ve already read about the symptoms in a prior article. What makes this so different form the baby blues is that it really does a number on your level of happiness and can interfere with your ability to function on a day-to-day basis. It is fixable, so do not fear! As you have read before, get help sooner than later!

Postpartum psychosis, like the mothers you have read about who have harmed their children, is very rare. It only affects about 1 or 2 out of every 1000 women, and starts in the first six weeks postpartum. Symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, major sleep disturbance, and obsessive thoughts about the baby (wanting to hurt her, e.g.). There can also be some severe mood swings that range from extreme euphoria to depression/anger.

Do not let this information scare you. What you need to be on the lookout for is anything unusual for your personality. Ask questions and get help. These problems do not have to ruin your first few weeks and months with your precious little one!