Baby Blues: depression after childbirth?

Written by: Loris Vitry (holistic coach)
Validated by: Cathy Maillot (Osteopath)

Caution: If you have any medical questions or concerns, please speak to your doctor. Even if the articles on this site are based on scientific studies, they do not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.


Baby Blues: depression after childbirth?
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Giving birth is a crucial stage and a happy event in the life of any woman.

However, the rest of this event can go badly if the mom is unable to deal with postpartum stress properly.

Baby Blues: depression after childbirth?

We tell you everything you need to know!

What to understand by the Baby Blues?

Baby Blues is a kind of depression that occurs 3 to 10 days after giving birth.

In some cases, the woman already feels it during her stay in the maternity hospital.

This temporary depression is seen in 60% of women who give birth.

It is a compendium of several phenomena, including fatigue, psychological upheaval, pregnancy hormones, etc.

The new mother is afraid of the new responsibilities that are now hers.

She doesn’t think she is up to the task, feels overwhelmed and as a result, cannot fully enjoy the joy of being a mom.

She does not understand her child’s needs, reacts abnormally and inappropriately to his demands, and feels incompetent in her new role as a mother.

This postnatal reaction is expected to last only a few days or weeks.

The phenomenon is indeed not the same as postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression affects only 15% of mothers and appears between the sixth and ninth month after giving birth.

Its duration is also longer.

Symptoms of Baby Blues

For those who are already showing warning signs of maternity blues, the Baby Blues intensifies once they get home.

This is quite logical, because at this time, the nursing staff are no longer present to help them.

Symptoms vary from woman to woman, but generally we see:

  • a lack of energy and general fatigue;
  • permanent stress;
  • a feeling of depression;
  • difficulty establishing a relationship with the newborn;
  • insomnia and eating disorders;
  • psychological vulnerability and a feeling of fragility;
  • mood swings and crying spells;
  • etc.

One can also mention too much sensitivity to criticism if the mother is surrounded.

She will also have difficulty dealing with her emotions and will feel guilty that she cannot be happy to be a mom.

The causes of Baby Blues

The causes of Baby Blues are either biological or psychological.

Biological causes

The causes of biological orders are not very numerous.

They are, however, very decisive.

  • Fatigue: pregnancy itself is tiring, childbirth even more so.
  • Lack of sleep: The great fatigue that some women experience after childbirth is sometimes due to a lack of sleep, which makes them irritable, hypersensitive and constantly angry with their child.
  • Hormonal upheavals: the rapid fall in estrogen and progesterone levels weakens women psychologically.

The causes of Baby Blues can also be psychological …

The psychological causes

A difficult pregnancy and childbirth can weaken the new mother psychologically.

This pain may well no longer disappear from her memory and thus cause difficulty in the relationship between her and her baby.

The same is true of premature births which make mothers less available to welcome their child properly.

In addition, the postpartum period brings other changes to the mother’s body.

She must accept her new body, after having accepted the changes that the pregnancy has brought to her.

The arrival of a baby can also be the basis of a Baby Blues.

Very quickly, mom can feel like she has no control over her life.

Finally, let’s deal with the lack of support, because a well-cared-for mom is likely not to develop any symptoms of Baby Blues, whereas a mom who is not.

This lack of support can come from a spouse, dad, or even close family.

The diagnosis and treatment of Baby Blues

How is the diagnosis of Baby Blues?

The onset of symptoms is enough to prove that the mother is affected by this temporary depression known as the Baby Blues.

There is no need to consult to be sure.

When symptoms appear in the maternity ward, Baby Blues can be quickly spotted by medical staff who will be sure to tell the new mom’s family.

However, when she finds herself alone or not properly surrounded, it is recommended not to hesitate to share it with a loved one, her entourage or her spouse.

These people will help her and will certainly find the right words to reassure her.

Thus, the Baby Blues should only last as long as the mother adjusts to her new environment and her new life.

What is the treatment of Baby blues?

Treatment of Baby Blues is therefore not medical.

On the contrary, it is based on very simple gestures and habits.

Rest

This is the main key to making the Baby Blues go away in new moms.

She should take her naps daily and preferably at the same times as her child.

Surround yourself

If she does not have family nearby, the new mom may ask friends or other acquaintances to keep her company and help her with her daily chores.

Asking for help when needed

He shouldn’t be ashamed of calling for help if one finds himself in need.

It can be addressed to the spouse or to any other person available at the moment.

Eliminate stress

Stress will only make the various symptoms of Baby Blues worse in moms.

She should avoid it at all costs.

Take care of yourself

Motherhood and postpartum occupations are not an end in themselves.

To avoid or treat her Baby Blues, mom needs to give herself time, personal moments.

She can play sports, go for a walk, think about perineal rehabilitation or go for a massage.

Organize the arrival at home: everything should be ready before baby and mom come home.

This will help relax the mother and make her feel protected and important to those around her.

Rethinking your married life

Going to the movies or eating out can help mom get through her Baby Blues.

In addition, she must be careful not to harbor dark thoughts about herself and her baby.

It is essential that the Baby Blues does not go beyond normal time.

Otherwise, it will turn into postpartum depression which this time around will unfortunately require drug and psychological treatment.

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