Baby blues

The term 'baby blues' refers to mood swings and other feelings that often occur in the first week after your baby is born.

Baby blues are very common — about 4 in every 5 people who give birth go through this, usually 3 to 5 days after the birth.

Although these feelings can be challenging, baby blues usually pass quickly on their own, without needing any treatment.

What is the difference between 'baby blues' and postnatal depression?

If your symptoms continue for 2 weeks or more, this may mean that you are experiencing postnatal depression, and not the baby blues.

Postnatal depression symptoms last longer, are more severe and often interfere with your ability to function and care for yourself or your baby. Unlike baby blues, postnatal depression doesn't usually go away on its own.

It can be hard to know if what you're feeling is normal, or might be the start of something more serious. If you're not sure, it's a good idea to speak with your doctor, midwife or child and family health nurse.

Symptoms of baby blues may include mood swings, tearfulness and feeling anxious or overwhelmed. You may find it difficult to sleep, even when your baby is settled, and you may not feel like eating.

No one really knows why you experience these feelings after having a baby. It may be due to rapidly changing hormone levels during and soon after birth.

If you are not feeling better after 2 weeks, speak with your doctor or midwife and tell them how you are feeling. They can help you figure out if you are experiencing baby blues, or if you have signs of depression or anxiety.

If your symptoms are more severe, your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional for treatment including psychological therapy or medicines.

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or call triple zero (000) for immediate support.

Your doctor or midwife can diagnose baby blues by talking to you and listening to how you feel. They may ask you to answer a questionnaire to check whether you might have postnatal depression.

There is no specific treatment for baby blues, but there are things you can do to help you through the challenging time after having a baby. Here are some tips that might help:

• Ask for and accept practical help and emotional support from family and friends.
• Talk to loved ones or your doctor or midwife about how you are feeling.
• Try to keep a healthy diet.
• Get some exercise.
• Get as much rest as you can.
• Use stress management techniques, such as muscle relaxation and deep breathing.

Having a baby can be a stressful time. Remember that self-care is important for both you and your baby.

Baby blues usually settle on their own and without complications, but they can increase your chance of developing postnatal depression later.

It may not be possible to prevent baby blues, but it's helpful to know about it before you give birth so that if it happens, you understand why you're feeling this way.

Some trusted sources you can go to for advice and support include:

• Your GP or healthcare provider.
• Your local child and family health clinic.
• A parenting or playgroup.
• Call one of these support services:
  • PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) — 1300 726 306
  • ForWhen — 1300 24 23 22 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 4.30pm)
  • Gidget Foundation — online and telehealth support — 1300 851 758
  • Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636
• See this list of support services across Australia and within your state or territory, provided by COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence).

Languages other than English

• PANDA have a checklist available in many languages to understand how you're feeling and if you might need support.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

• ForWhen provides mental health and wellbeing support for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people during pregnancy and afterwards.
• Call 13YARN on 13 92 76 to talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter.

Information for sexually and gender-diverse families

• COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence) has resources and tips for LGBTIQ+ parents and rainbow families.