Guides
Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression?
You can ask for help before you have a name for what you are feeling.
Start Here
The short answer
Tearfulness and mood changes can appear in the first days after birth and often ease within about two weeks. Feelings that persist, worsen or affect daily life deserve a conversation with your doctor or midwife. You do not need to wait for a time limit if you are concerned.
At a Glance
Two Ways to Think About It
Baby Blues
- Timing
- Often begins soon after birth and eases over the first couple of weeks.
- Feelings
- Tearfulness, sensitivity or mood swings may come and go.
- Next step
- Ask for practical support and tell your doctor or midwife what you notice, especially if things worsen.
Possible Postpartum Depression
- Timing
- Can begin during pregnancy or after birth, not only in the first days.
- Feelings
- Lasting sadness, irritability, loss of interest, guilt or trouble connecting may affect daily life.
- Next step
- Ask a medical professional for assessment. This guide cannot tell you which condition you have.
One Option
When early support fits
- You are tearful and adjusting to changed sleep, recovery and a new routine. Help with meals, rest and other children may matter, alongside a medical check when you are worried.
- You want someone to hear the mixed feelings without expecting you to feel grateful every moment. Needing support does not make you less committed to your baby.
Another Option
When a medical call matters
- Your mood is getting worse, daily tasks feel hard or you feel unable to rest even when there is a chance. Call your doctor or midwife rather than waiting to see if it passes.
- Unwanted intrusive thoughts can happen after birth and can be frightening. You can talk about them with a clinician. Having an unwanted thought is not the same as wanting to act on it.
Working Together
How I can help
I offer therapy for the emotional demands of pregnancy and life after birth. We can talk about guilt, identity, worry and asking others for help. I use CBT and DBT in plain language.
I am a social worker, not a prescriber. Medical assessment belongs with your doctor or midwife. If you feel you might act on a harmful thought, cannot keep yourself or your baby safe, feel confused or hear or see things others do not, seek urgent help now.
Perinatal and PostpartumIf you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988, or call 911.
Your Own Priorities
Questions to ask yourself
- 1.
Have my feelings eased, stayed the same or become harder to manage?
- 2.
Who could help me make a medical call or get some uninterrupted rest?
- 3.
What have I been afraid to say aloud to someone who can help?
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this page tell me what I have?
Can I talk about intrusive thoughts?
How do sessions work?
You do not have to minimize what is happening.
For nonurgent therapy questions, we can begin with a free consultation.