Postpartum therapist in San Diego, CA explains why “baby blues” doesn’t always capture the experience of postpartum depression

Having a baby is a huge transition in any new parent’s life.

It is expected that things will change. During your pregnancy, you’re probably aware of this. It is also commonly expected that the birthing parent may experience some erratic. But, mild and mood swings. Indeed, these mood swings are often dismissed and labeled as the commonly experienced “baby blues”. Up to 80% of birthing parents experience baby blues. Unfortunately, it is also sometimes, mistakenly, dismissed for postpartum depression. Which develops in up to 20% of birthing parents. Baby blues and postpartum depression are two very different experiences. And, it is vital to distinguish between the two. Misdiagnosing and dismissing postpartum depression can get in the way of seeking out appropriate treatment and support.

What baby blues can look like

Baby blues typically develops within the first two weeks after giving birth.

• Symptoms may appear as though they are symptoms of depression or symptoms of anxiety. This can look like moodiness, tearfulness, sadness, or worrying about things.
• The experience of baby blues lasts for a few days up to two weeks. This timeline is very important. If the experience of moodiness, tearfulness or sadness lasts more than two weeks, it is no longer considered baby blues.

The intensity of symptoms is mild.

• The experience of these symptoms, while upsetting, doesn’t actually impact taking care of oneself or taking care of the baby.
• For example, the birthing parent may show symptoms similar to perinatal depression. For some, this might be moodiness and there may be crying spells. But these are short-lived.
• For example, the birthing parent may feel and act moodily for a short time. But, is quickly able to move past this feeling.
• Symptoms disappear on their own.

What postpartum depression can look like

Postpartum depression may develop within the first two weeks after delivery.

• But, it can also develop at any point within the first postpartum year.
• They can feel similar to symptoms of depression. This includes irritability, moodiness, sleeplessness (an inability to sleep even when the baby is resting), changes in appetite, inability to focus, and/or numbing.
• The experience of postpartum depression lasts for more than two weeks.

Symptoms are intense.

• They impact how the birthing parent feels all the time. And feels pervasive across all areas of life.
• It affects the birthing parent’s ability to function, to take care of themselves, and to take care of their baby.
• Symptoms don’t disappear. The birthing parent needs support and treatment for postpartum depression. 

What our postpartum therapists want you to know

Look, we know that new moms can have a hard time. There are many days that feel like they are impossible to get through. Your experience is incredibly real. And, it has a real impact. Our postpartum therapists want you to know you’re not alone in this. Through our services for postpartum therapy and prenatal depression, we’re able to offer you the support you need to navigate this season of life. In addition, you’ll learn skills that can help you get through the tough days. Regardless of where you are in your journey, our postpartum therapists are able to assist you in this process.

Begin Postpartum Therapy in San Diego, CA

Baby blues is definitely not the same as postpartum depression. Awareness of the distinction between baby blues and postpartum depression is important. It helps you to recognize whether or not your experience is a short-lived, mild response to giving birth or if your symptoms require additional support and treatment. We’re able to serve you in our San Diego-based counseling practice or through online therapy in California. If you are ready to begin postpartum therapy, follow the steps below:

1. Contact Headway Therapy.
2. Meet with one of our expert postpartum therapists.
3. Enjoy your postpartum experience.

Other Counseling Services at Headway Therapy

Postpartum therapy is not the only service we offer in our Encinitas therapy group. Other mental health services at Headway Therapy include treatment for depression and mood, anxiety treatment, therapy for teens, therapy for children, counseling for infertility, therapy after miscarriage, and pregnancy counseling. We look forward to connecting with you!