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When The Baby Blues Won't Go Away

Life with a new baby is not always what you expect. The birth or adoption of a baby can bring physical, emotional and social changes. Adjustment to new roles and relationships is not always easy.

 

About 4 out of 5 mothers will experience the baby blues

This is normal and can start in the first week after the baby is born. With good physical care and emotional support, you will usually feel better within two weeks. Talk with your partner, healthcare professional or someone you trust about your feelings.

Postpartum Depression and Anxiety Disorders are common

Up to 20% of women experience postpartum depression after having a baby. Mood disorders, such as anxiety, are also very common. You are not alone. Partners and children can struggle too. It can affect anyone in the family!

 

People experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders may...

  • Feel sad or numb
  • Be tearful or cry a lot
  • Feel exhausted, but not able to sleep
  • Have changes in eating or sleeping patterns
  • Feel overwhelmed and can’t concentrate
  • Feel anxious or can’t stop worrying 
  • Seek constant reassurance from others or the internet
  • Have no interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
  • Feel hopeless or worthless
  • Feel restless, irritable or angry
  • Feel guilty and ashamed
  • Avoid spending time with family and friends
  • Have thoughts of hurting yourself or others
  • Have scary thoughts about your baby

If your symptoms continue or get worse, speak to your healthcare professional. 

 

What you can do...

  • Rest when baby sleeps
  • Get a minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep
  • Eat healthy food several times a day
  • Go for a walk 3-4 times a week or more
  • Accept help from family and friends
  • Let someone you trust take care of the baby once in a while
  • Take time for yourself
  • Limit the time you spend with people who make you feel anxious or sad
  • Talk about your feelings with your partner or someone you trust
  • Reach out to your healthcare professional to talk about what help and treatment options are available
  • Take Action, Get Help
    .
 
Date of creation: December 1, 2017
Last modified on: April 27, 2023

Resources

 

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References

1BC Reproductive Mental Health Program. (2014). Best practice guidelines for mental health disorders in the perinatal period. Retrieved from
http://www.perinatalservicesbc.ca/Documents/Guidelines-Standards/Maternal/MentalHealthDisordersGuideline.pdf
2Canadian Pediatric Society. (2020, July). Depression in pregnant women and mothers: How it affects you and your child. Retrieved from
https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/depression_in_pregnant_women_and_mothers
3Government of Canada. (2022-11-07). Mental Health: Your Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy Retrieved from
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/healthy-pregnancy/healthy-pregnancy-guide.html#a8
4Haensel, H., & Parkinson, S. (2017). Mothering the mother: Caring for mother’s mental health to optimize infant attachment and development. [PowerPoint slides].