Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression
*If you or someone you love is having thought of harming themselves or someone else, please reach out to your doctor or call/text 988 immediately.*
Welcoming a baby into the world is a life-changing experience filled with love, exhaustion, wonder, and big emotions. One of the most common things I see in my work as a postpartum doula is new parents wondering:
“Is what I’m feeling normal?”
Let’s talk about two very real, but very different post-birth experiences: the baby blues and postpartum depression (PPD). Knowing the difference can help you or someone you love get the right support when it’s needed most.
🌧️ What Are the Baby Blues?
The “baby blues” are extremely common. In fact, around 85% of new moms experience them.
They typically show up a few days after birth and can last up to two weeks. Hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and the overwhelming transition into parenthood all play a part.
Common signs of the baby blues:
Mood swings
Crying more easily than usual
Irritability or anxiety
Feeling overwhelmed or weepy
Trouble sleeping (even when baby sleeps)
The baby blues can feel intense, but they usually fade on their own with rest, support, and time.
🌫️ What Is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is different. It’s a deeper, longer-lasting, and not something you can just “shake off”, feeling. It affects about 1 in 7 moms and can begin anytime within the first year after birth.
Signs of postpartum depression may include:
Ongoing sadness, hopelessness, or numbness
Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
Difficulty bonding with baby
Intense irritability or anger
Feeling like a failure as a parent
Intrusive thoughts or fears
Changes in appetite or sleep that aren’t baby-related
Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby*
*If you or someone you love is having thought of harming themselves or someone else, please reach out to your doctor or call/text 988 immediately.*
You are not alone, and help is available.
💛 What You Can Do
If you're unsure whether you're experiencing baby blues or postpartum depression, here's what I want you to know:
Talk to someone you trust. A partner, friend, doula, therapist, or doctor.
Track how long you’ve been feeling this way. If it lasts longer than two weeks or feels too heavy, it’s worth a check-in.
You are not weak or broken. You are navigating a major life transition and deserve support.
Help is available and it works. Therapy, medication, support groups, and compassionate care all make a difference.
🌷 Gentle Encouragement from Your Doula
As a postpartum doula, my role isn’t just to help with swaddling and bottle prep. I’m also here to check in on you! Your emotions, your rest, your well-being.
Whether you’re riding out the baby blues or wondering if it’s something more, I’ll be right beside you to help you process, feel seen, and find the resources you need.
You’re doing an amazing job. And you don’t have to do it alone.