Postpartum mood, depression and anxiety

Many new parents are surprised by how strong and changeable their emotions are after a birth. Some of this is expected. Some of it is a treatable illness that deserves care just as much as a healing incision. Knowing the difference, and knowing where to turn, can protect a mother, a father and a marriage.

Baby blues and postpartum depression

Many mothers experience the baby blues in the first days after birth: tearfulness, mood swings, worry and feeling overwhelmed. These feelings usually ease on their own within about two weeks.

Postpartum depression is different. It lasts longer, feels heavier and gets in the way of daily life. It can begin during pregnancy or at any point in the first year. Signs may include persistent sadness or emptiness, loss of interest or joy, trouble bonding with the baby, deep guilt or a sense of worthlessness, changes in sleep or appetite beyond what a newborn explains, withdrawing from others, and thoughts of self harm. Postpartum depression is not a failure of love or of faith. It is a medical condition, and treatment works.