Do you have the 'baby blues' – or postnatal depression?

We tend to use these two terms interchangeably, but they differ in significant ways. Understanding what each entails is key for treatment.  

A case of the blues

“Almost all new moms experience baby blues,” says Rene Pfaff, a counselling psychologist in private practice in Somerset West, Western Cape. “This is a condition that lasts for a few days to a week or two after the baby is born and is most often linked to hormonal changes.” 

Symptoms typically involve the following:

Mood swings
Anxiety over new responsibilities
Sadness and crying
Irritability
Feeling that you are not always able to cope
Difficulty remembering things, sometimes referred to as “mommy brain”

“These symptoms ease over time and are best managed by getting adequate rest, eating healthily and drawing from your support system. Some ‘me-time’ should be worked into your schedule to help ease stress and exhaustion,” advises Pfaff.  

When it’s postnatal depression

Postnatal – also known as postpartum depression is more intense and lasts longer, and it often appears a while after giving birth.  

Symptoms include:

Constant mood swings 
Appetite changes
Always tired due to insomnia or sleeping too much
Feeling unhappy most of the time
Withdrawal from others
Feelings of worthlessness or inadequacy as a mom
Diminished ability to think clearly or make decisions
Constant anxiety and panic attacks
Thoughts of death or suicide
Thoughts of harming or abandoning your baby
Excessive crying

“This condition will eventually interfere with your ability to care for and bond with your baby, and will make it difficult to handle other responsibilities,” explains Pfaff. “It is critical that you acknowledge these feelings so that others can help. A combination of medication and psychotherapy are used to help you to cope during this time.” 

Why the stigma?

“Most moms think that motherhood should be natural and easy,” explains Pfaff. “In reality the lack of sleep, feeding challenges and new responsibilities, coupled with the normal day-to-day challanges are often very difficult to handle. Furthermore, traditional support systems are not always available in the modern family setup. New moms are often reluctant to acknowledge their battles or seek help as they fear people will think they are ‘failing’ at something that should come naturally.”

Set up an appointment with your GP to discuss your symptoms if you suspect you are suffering from postnatal depression. Professional input will enable you to overcome this dark period and take better care of yourself and your baby.