The baby blues

What are the baby blues?

The baby blues, also known as the postpartum blues, are feelings of sadness, emotional sensitivity, and weepiness that arise in the days after giving birth. They typically appear within the first two to three days postpartum and can last for up to two weeks.

In those first few days with your new baby, you may feel exhausted, worried, unhappy, or trapped, and find yourself crying over things that usually wouldn't bother you. Your appetite may increase or decrease, and you may be unable to sleep. You also might be irritable, worried about being a good parent, or afraid that motherhood will never feel any different than it does right now.

Rest assured: All these feelings are normal. Up to 80 percent of new moms experience these "baby blues." For the majority of new moms, postpartum blues are temporary, and begin to lift within two weeks. But 10 to 20 percent of moms will develop a more serious condition known as postpartum depression (PPD). If feelings of sadness, irritability, or extreme worry persist for more than two weeks, reach out to your healthcare provider.

What are the most common baby blues symptoms?

The baby blues can manifest a bit differently for everyone, but in general, you may feel on edge, exhausted, and tearful for reasons you can’t quite pinpoint. You may even feel guilty that you're acting this way during what's supposed to be a joyful time. But these feelings are normal.

Other common symptoms of the baby blues include:

• Sadness
• Anxiety
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Restlessness

The baby blues can affect anyone and aren't the result of anything you did wrong during pregnancy or postpartum. However, there are some risk factors that may contribute to developing the baby blues, including:

• A history of depression, especially depression during pregnancy
• A family history of depression or other mood disorders
• A history of mood swings related to your menstrual cycle

What causes the baby blues?

Researchers don’t yet know for sure exactly what causes the baby blues, but they suspect it’s a mix of physical changes and emotional factors that occur after giving birth.

During pregnancy, your body produces high levels of estrogen and progesterone, but in the 24 hours after giving birth, these hormone levels drop drastically, which can contribute to mood swings. For some women, their thyroid levels may also drop in response to these changes, which can cause feelings of low energy. Your breasts may become engorged as your milk comes in, which can be uncomfortable, and you'll most likely be experiencing some postpartum fatigue as well. These physical realities alone can be enough to bring on some blues.

Emotionally, you may be anxious about your baby's well-being, your transition to motherhood (if you're a first-time parent), or adjusting to your new routine at home. Your new responsibilities might feel overwhelming, and broken sleep and irregular eating can also intensify these symptoms and contribute to feelings of sadness or irritability.

Newborns require around-the-clock care, and feeling overwhelmed about this big life change is normal. Be kind to yourself during this time and ask for help when you need it.

How long do the postpartum blues last?

The baby blues typically set in around two to three days postpartum, peak over the next few days, and then resolve in about two weeks. Symptoms may come and go throughout the day, lasting a few minutes or hours, and you may feel them more acutely after a particularly restless night or when you're hungry or thirsty. The baby blues don't require medical intervention and usually resolve as your hormone levels stabilize.

If the baby blues persist for longer than two weeks and are accompanied by other symptoms, like not being able to sleep or changes in appetite, you may have postpartum depression (PPD) or postpartum anxiety (PPA), which needs to be treated as soon as possible.

How to cope with the baby blues

There’s no specific treatment for the baby blues, but there are ways you can tend to your needs and feel better during this challenging time. As you become more adjusted to parenthood and get to know your little one, you’ll become more grounded and confident. But the early days and weeks can be tough, so here are some ways to cope.

Ask for help. Lean on the people who care about you. If you have a partner, share how you've been feeling and what would be helpful. A trusted friend or relative or a postpartum doula, if you have the means to hire one, can also offer a sympathetic ear as well as hands-on help with the baby or housework.

Rest whenever you can. Even though you're adjusting to the daunting new reality of having to meet a tiny human's every need, it's important not to neglect yourself in the process. This is easier said than done, of course, so don't be shy about asking for help. Sleep deprivation can make the baby blues worse, so try to rest whenever you can. Even a ten-minute nap can help.

Move your body. Exercise might be the last thing on your mind, but getting some form of physical activity can help lift your mood – even a quick, leisurely walk in the fresh air can be a solid reset. If you're recovering from a C-section or still feel sore from your vaginal delivery, you may want to check with your healthcare provider first, but otherwise, light walking is okay in the days following your delivery. (If you're ever experiencing any pain or postpartum warning signs that are impacting your ability to function, reach out to your healthcare provider.)

Find community. Other new moms can be another great source of comfort. See if your hospital or birth center hosts groups for new mothers, where you can find emotional support from women going through a similar experience. New moms in the BabyCenter Community can also be a great resource through the challenging newborn period.

Fuel yourself. Ignoring your hunger or thirst cues can impact your mood, so try to keep snacks on hand and a water bottle nearby. Take friends and family members up on their offers to help and let them bring you meals, send you meal-delivery gift cards, or make you a sandwich.

What's the difference between the baby blues and postpartum depression?

It's easy to confuse the baby blues with postpartum depression (PPD) because they have many symptoms in common. But while the baby blues ease on their own with time, PPD is more intense, persists, interferes with your daily functioning, and requires treatment as early as possible. Take our postpartum depression quiz to see if you have signs of depression, and reach out to your healthcare provider for help.

The biggest differences between the baby blues and PPD are timeline and severity: If you're in the thick of those first couple of weeks postpartum, some emotional upheaval is normal. But if you continue to feel this way for longer than two weeks after you've given birth, call your healthcare provider. (Don't be afraid to call them sooner if you're feeling especially down, or if you also have severe anxiety or a personal or family history of depression.)

When to call your healthcare provider about the baby blues

Symptoms of the baby blues that persist beyond two weeks could be a sign of a more serious condition, like postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety. It's important to reach out to your healthcare provider, who can help you get the help you need.

Symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety include:

• Changes in appetite, like eating too much or too little
• Not being able to sleep, even when given the opportunity and you're exhausted. (On the other hand, sleeping too much can also be a sign of PPD.)
• Obsessive thoughts about your baby’s safety
• Moments of rage or irritability that feel out of character for you
• Having little interest in your baby
• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
• Having little to no energy
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Thoughts of wanting to escape
• Difficulty concentrating
• Suicidal thoughts

Even if you aren’t sure if your symptoms are severe enough to be considered a postpartum mood disorder, your provider can help evaluate what's going on and offer sources of support and potential treatment.

If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, seek professional help immediately or call a suicide hotline. You can reach the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Read more:

Bonding with your newborn

How to manage pregnancy anxiety

How long does postpartum recovery last?