Baby blues how long do they last

After birth, your body goes through extreme hormonal fluctuations to help you recover and care for your baby , shrinking your uterus back to its normal size and promoting lactation, among other things. The other probable cause? The postpartum period is one during which parents are not sleeping regularly or much at all, honestly and coping with all the major changes in routine and lifestyle that come with a new baby.

All of these factors combine to pave the way for the baby blues. The symptoms can start 2 to 3 days after the baby is born. Most of the time, the baby blues go away on their own soon after birth — usually within 10 days but sometimes up to 14 days postpartum. How you experience the baby blues may be different from how your BFF or sister-in-law does, but generally, symptoms of the baby blues include:.

Postpartum depression can occur anytime during the first year after having a baby. What one person considers severe might be more or less so for another person, so this is a little subjective. Fortunately, they usually go away on their own soon after birth. The baby blues may be normal and short-lived, but postpartum depression needs to be treated. After Jen Schwartz had her son, she unexpectedly experienced postpartum depression.

Here she talks about the importance of maternal mental health, and…. Different from the ''baby blues,'' postpartum depression can cause severe mood swings, exhaustion, and a sense of hopelessness. How can you take care of yourself? Maintain a well-balanced diet. Having a new baby may cause you not to eat correctly, and too many simple carbohydrates can make mood swings more pronounced.

We discuss the importance of Omega-3 fats below. Keep a journal of all your thoughts and feelings. Get outside to enjoy fresh air and life outside the confines of diapers, feedings, and spit up. Sometimes just a different view for a few moments can make a huge difference.

Preventing the Baby Blues If taken during the prenatal period, studies have shown that the Omega-3 fats, EPA and DHA, may lower the risk of pre-term birth and lower the risk of postpartum depression in new mothers. Can I get pregnant if…? Share this post:. Share on facebook Facebook. Share on twitter Twitter. Share on linkedin LinkedIn.

Share on email Email. Similar Post. The First Year. IQ Tests for Babies? The Baby Blues. Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Wu, M.

Medical Review Policy All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. You probably waited a long time to become a parent and may have thought you'd be thrilled once your baby arrived. But if you're feeling kind of sad instead, know that you're not alone. Back to Top. In This Article. Continue Reading Below. Read This Next. Postpartum Anxiety. Postpartum Depression PPD.

View Sources. Mayo Clinic, Postpartum Depression , September