It can be hard to know the difference between baby blues and Postpartum Depression (PPD), but both can have you feeling alone and extremely vulnerable. Baby blues typically begin within a few days after birth and start to wane within one to two weeks. While a mother may continue to experience periods of sadness or worry after that two week window, the feelings will be in proportion to her life circumstances of caring for a newborn.

Baby blues typically includes symptoms such as tearfulness, sadness, moodiness, irritability, trouble sleeping or eating, and feeling indecisive or overwhelmed. These feelings may be related to experiencing difficulty with breastfeeding, having a fussy or colicky baby, or lack of sleep. Baby blues can have you feeling on edge, intolerant and overwhelmed with simple everyday tasks and interactions. Baby blues symptoms typically do not prevent a mom from caring for herself or her baby. Things may certainly feel more challenging and the symptoms may be present every day, but daily functioning is maintained.

Postpartum Depression, however, carries more severe symptoms that may limit a mom’s ability to manage her and baby’s daily mental and physical health. PPD symptoms can include feeling low or down, struggling to bond with baby, changes in eating habits, difficulty sleeping or a need for more sleep (beyond what is expected with a baby), feelings of worthlessness, guilt, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and even recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. Anxiety-based symptoms may also be present, such as feelings of overwhelm, constant worry and even panic attacks. At least some of these symptoms will be present on most days. If you are experiencing symptoms of Postpartum Depression after two weeks of giving birth, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help today. I’ve got you.