Bringing a new life into the world is both exhilarating and exhausting. After leaving the hospital with my first born, I spent the first few days at home in a zombie-like daze, cycling through nursing, pumping, supplementing, diaper changing, swaddling, soothing…(wash, rinse, repeat). I came to find that the only thing that occasionally interrupted this cycle were the intermittent periods of incessant sobbing and unprovoked hysterics.
Now, I will admit that I was so focused on my newborn, that I forgot to eat, hydrate, or sleep, which you will see in a moment, didn’t do me any favors. However, it was only after I returned to work and found myself taking a clinical detour into the world of perinatal mood disorders, that I realized during those tumultuous early days of motherhood, I was deep in the throes of the infamous Baby Blues.
What Are the Baby Blues?
You’ve just had your bundle of joy, and instead of feeling like you're floating on cloud nine, you’re feeling more like you're in the middle of an emotional hurricane. Welcome to the baby blues, where your hormones are throwing a welcome-to-motherhood party, and you're the guest of honor.
The baby blues typically start a few days after childbirth and can last up to two weeks. You might experience:
Mood swings: One minute you're laughing, the next you're crying over a diaper commercial.
Anxiety: Because who wouldn't be a little anxious about keeping a tiny human alive?
Irritability: Even the sight of an unwashed bottle can make you want to scream.
Difficulty sleeping: As if your newborn isn't already ensuring you get zero shut-eye!
Feelings of sadness: This can be confusing, especially when everyone around you expects you to be over the moon.
Why Are They Normal?
You’ve probably heard it a gazillion times: "Your hormones are adjusting." But what does that even mean? Well, during pregnancy, your body is flooded with hormones like estrogen and progesterone. After childbirth, these hormone levels drop faster than your will to wash your hair, leading to the emotional rollercoaster you, and 60-80% of other mothers, are experiencing during this time.
Another fun fact: Your body is also producing prolactin (for milk production) and oxytocin (the love hormone). While these hormones help with breastfeeding and bonding, they can also make you feel emotionally overwhelmed.
Tips to Tame the Blues
While the baby blues typically fade on their own within a few days to a couple of weeks, there are some things you can do to help manage this shaky period:
Get Enough Rest: Easier said than done, but try to sleep when your baby sleeps. Even a quick nap can work wonders.
Accept Help: Ask family and friends to help with errands, grocery shopping, childcare, or household chores. Remember, asking for or accepting help doesn’t mean you’re not a capable mother.
Eat Well: Keep snacks handy and nourish your body with balanced meals. You need all the energy you can get.
Hydrate: Staying hydrated in the postpartum period can improve blood-flow, support circulation, and increase mood and energy levels. So keep that Stanley within arms reach.
Connect with Others: Early motherhood can be an incredibly lonesome period. In those early days and weeks, many mothers are sitting up in the middle of the night thinking they are the only ones awake in the world. Joining a support group or finding other ways to connect with new moms can make a world of difference.
Self-Care: Take a few minutes each day for yourself. Whether it’s a hot shower or a short walk, you deserve it.
Get Outside: Sunshine and Vitamin D has been shown to increase serotonin levels in the brain and thus improve your mood.
Seek Professional Help If Needed: If your feelings persist beyond two weeks or intensify, consult a healthcare provider. They can help you differentiate between the baby blues and a perinatal mood disorder.
Postpartum Support International (PSI) has a dedicated hotline to help connect you (and your partner) with virtual and local resources. Call or text “HELP” to 800-944-4773
You’ve Got This!
Remember, the baby blues are just a temporary phase. You're doing an amazing job, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. So take a deep breath, cut yourself some slack, and know that it's okay to not be okay all the time <3
Dr. Rachel Hill, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and mother of two, is here to help you navigate the emotional landscape of motherhood.
The information on this website is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or psychological condition and is not a substitute for therapy. If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please call/text 988 or go to your nearest emergency room.
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