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Baby Blues Baby Blues… or Is It Something More?

It’s very common to feel emotional after having a baby. Your body is healing, your hormones are changing, and life looks very different overnight. Many parents experience the “baby blues” during the first week after birth.

Question mark speech bubble What Are the Baby Blues?

The baby blues usually start 2–3 days after birth and can last up to 10 days. A sudden drop in hormones, lack of sleep, and caring for a newborn can make you feel emotional.

You may notice:

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Feeling sad or tearful

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Worrying more than usual

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Feeling overwhelmed

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Crying easily

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Trouble sleeping, even when tired

These feelings are very common. More than half of new moms have baby blues. With rest and support, most parents feel better within a couple of weeks.

Question mark speech bubble white What Can Help the Baby Blues?

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  • Ask a partner, friend, or family member to help you rest
  • Take short naps or breaks when you can
  • Be gentle and patient with yourself
  • Remember you are not doing anything wrong. You are learning a brand-new role

BabyBlues calander When It Might Be Something More

If these feelings last past day 10 or 11, or start anytime in the first year after baby is born, it may be more than the baby blues. This could be postpartum depression or anxiety. These conditions can also start during pregnancy.

You may notice:

  • Feeling very sad or miserable
  • Crying a lot
  • Not wanting to eat
  • Trouble sleeping even when exhausted
  • Feeling guilty, worthless, or “like a bad parent”
  • Feeling scared, panicky, or very anxious
  • Feeling like you can’t cope
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Up to 1 in 5 parents feel this way. You are not alone, and you are not to blame.

Talk to your OB provider or primary care doctor if any of these feelings continue. They can help you get the care you deserve.

WIC Can Support How WIC Can Support You

WIC is here for your whole family – including support for your emotional well-being. WIC staff understand the challenges new parents face and are ready to listen without judgment.

WIC can help by offering:
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Breastfeeding support,

including peer counselors who have been in your shoes

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Referrals to mental health providers,

support groups, or community resources

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Tips for feeding and caring for your baby so you feel less stressed

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Someone to talk to

when you need extra support

You don’t have to feel okay before asking for help.
WIC is a safe place to start the conversation.

Deserve Support icon You Deserve Support

Becoming a parent is a big change. You don’t have to go through it alone.

Many parents feel better by:
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Joining a parenting or new-moms group or asking family member to help you rest

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Talking with a counselor or therapist

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Taking medication prescribed by their doctor (many options are safe while breastfeeding)

Getting help with feeding can also make a big difference. Stress around breastfeeding or bottle-feeding can make mood symptoms feel worse and WIC can support you through this.
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If you are struggling, reaching out is a sign of strength. You deserve care, compassion, and support – from your family, your health team, and from WIC.

Help is available, and you don’t have to face this alone.

REFERENCES:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2024, April). Postpartum depression.
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/postpartum-depression

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). Symptoms of depression
among women.
https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/depression/index.html

Mayo Clinic. (2022, November 24). Postpartum depression. Mayo Clinic.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617

National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Perinatal depression.
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/perinatal-depression

Office on Women’s Health. (2023, October 17). Postpartum depression. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/postpartum-depression

By Maya Bunik, MD, MPH