Baby blues can affect 4 out of 5 women after they give birth. This usually happens within the first week and is likely due to the rapid change in hormones and other biochemicals that occur once pregnancy has finished. Symptoms include low mood, feeling irritable and on edge, and feeling emotional or tearful for no obvious reason.
Symptoms should only last a few days, but if they persist or are accompanied by more severe symptoms, it could be a sign of postpartum depression, and you should speak to your doctor or health visitor right away.
It doesn’t affect every mom, but it is a normal part of the postpartum experience. There is not much you can do to avoid experiencing baby blues, but rest assured that for most, it improves within a week without any intervention.
There is a lot to adjust to in those first few weeks after giving birth, so be kind to yourself. It’s important to look after yourself as much as possible by ensuring you have a calm, supportive, caring environment. Drinking plenty of fluid, sleeping when your baby sleeps, and eating well-balanced nutritious foods is essential to your overall recovery.
Was this helpful?