When Baby Blues Turns into Something More

The Baby Blues are temporary mood changes that many new mums experience shortly after childbirth. They often start a few days after giving birth and can last up to two weeks. It’s normal during this time to feel irritable or cry easily, but this unexpected overwhelm might lead you to feeling like you’re losing control of your emotions.

It can be reassuring to know that the Baby Blues are quite common. In fact, about 80% of new mums experience them. They’re thought to be caused by hormonal changes, lack of sleep, the stress of adjusting to a new baby, and the birth experience itself. Parenting is tough in those first few weeks, so focusing on simple self-care lowering your expectations of what new motherhood ‘should’ look like and talking with others can help.

Importantly to know, symptoms of the Baby Blues usually reduce on their own within a couple of weeks.

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However, if your symptoms don’t improve after two weeks, if they are distressing to you or if they start to seriously impact your daily life, it might be something more serious, like Postnatal Depression (PND) or Postnatal Anxiety (PNA). In Australia, about 1 in 5 new mothers experience these conditions.

Postnatal Depression is a more intense long-lasting form of depression that can affect your experience of motherhood. It’s more than just temporary sadness—it can last for months and significantly impact your daily life.  One mum described her struggle with PND as feeling "like I was drowning in a sea of sadness and guilt. Every day was a battle, and I was scared I wouldn’t be able to care for my baby."

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Symptoms may include one or a combination of those outlined below:

• Depressed mood including feeling sad, empty or hopeless
• Crying for no apparent reason
• Loss of interest or pleasure in life
• Physical symptoms: changes in appetite, headaches, sweaty palms, heart racing
• Insomnia or excessive sleep
• Moving more slowly or finding it harder to slow down
• Loss of energy or fatigue
• Not feeling attached or bonded with your baby
• Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, feeling trapped
• Impaired concentration or indecisiveness
• Thoughts of death, self-harm or a suicide attempt

Postnatal Anxiety can also appear within the first year after childbirth. While it’s normal to have worries, some mums experience overwhelming anxiety that affects their everyday life. Symptoms may include one or a combination of those outlined below:

• Difficulty concentrating or focusing
• Feeling unusually restless
• Fear that something awful might happen
• Excessive and generalised worry
• Irritability
• Panic attacks
• Muscle tension
• Sleep disturbance
• Appetite disturbance
• Obsessive or compulsive behaviours
• Other physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweaty hands, stomach complaints.

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Some mums may experience frightening, intrusive thoughts about their baby’s safety, such as fears of hurting the baby in some way. Whilst these thoughts are distressing, research shows they are anxious in nature and rarely acted upon. One mum shared her experience with anxiety, "I couldn’t stop thinking I would drop the baby or drown him in the bath. I felt so terrible. What kind of mother imagines their child dying like that?” Understanding that these thoughts are a symptom of anxiety can help alleviate some of the distress associated with them. 

It’s important to remember that having these symptoms doesn’t mean you’re a bad mum or failing in any way. Postnatal Depression and Anxiety are medical conditions that need proper understanding and treatment. As Dr Nicole Highet, expert in Perinatal Mental Health says: "Postnatal depression and anxiety are not signs of weakness but are very real conditions that affect many new parents. Recognising the symptoms early and seeking help can make a profound difference." 

Getting support and treatment can truly make a difference. It’s not about coping—it’s about getting suitable care. Treatment is also important. Untreated PNDA can affect your well-being, your relationship with your baby, your family dynamics and even your child’s development.

So, what can you do to get help? Start by talking to someone you trust, like a partner, family member, or friend. Their connection can be incredibly valuable. From there, you can reach out to healthcare providers like your GP or a mental health professional for more tailored support.

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Managing PNDA often involves a mix of treatments. These might include:

• Psychological Support: Therapy can help you process your feelings and develop coping strategies that may help.
• Medication: Sometimes medication is prescribed, especially if symptoms are severe or not improving with therapy. It’s important to discuss any concerns about your medication with your healthcare provider.
• Support Services: Resources such as child and family practitioners can provide additional emotional and practical support.
• Support Groups: Connecting with others who have faced PNDA can provide comfort and advice. Support groups can help reduce feelings of isolation and offer a sense of community.

Alongside professional help, including self-care into your daily routine can support your overall wellbeing. Here’s some ideas of how you can take care of yourself: 

• Prioritise Rest: Aim to get as much rest as possible. Try to sleep or rest when your baby sleeps and, if possible, ask for help from family or friends to share care of the baby.
• Manage Expectations:  Being a new mother is challenging. Can you adjust your expectations about motherhood and try not to place extra pressure on yourself? Be kind to yourself.
• Nutrition and Exercise: Even small changes can help. Try short walks or gentle exercise and allow yourself some flexibility with your diet.
• Practice Mindfulness: Breathing exercises and meditation can help manage stress and promote relaxation.
• Surround Yourself with Support: If possible, lean on your friends and family for emotional and practical support.

For loved ones, recognising and addressing signs of PNDA can be crucial. It’s important to talk openly about what’s happening, avoid trying to "fix" things immediately, and ask how you can help. Lean in with curiosity and compassion and be patient with the new mum. She’s likely feeling lots of big emotions and needs to be provided a safe place, free from judgement. Encouraging professional help and offering practical support can make a big difference in the life a mum with PNDA.

In summary, the postnatal period can be a mix of joy and tough emotions. While the Baby Blues are common and usually short-lived, it's important to watch for signs of Postnatal Depression (PND) or Postnatal Anxiety (PNA), which need more attention. Remember, these conditions are medical and not a reflection of your abilities as a mum. Seeking support from friends, family, and healthcare professionals can make a huge difference. You don’t have to go through this alone - help is available, and reaching out can lead to a brighter, more manageable path forward.