About Molina
emotions

Baby blues are feelings of sadness that some women have three to five days after having a baby. Many moms experience these mood swings. They probably are caused by hormonal changes in the body after giving birth. You may feel sad or irritable or you may cry a lot. If you think you have the baby blues, you can:

  • Talk to your partner or a good friend about how you feel.
  • Get plenty of rest. Try to sleep when the baby sleeps.
  • Ask your partner, family and friends for help in taking care of the baby and the housework.
  • Take time for yourself. Get out of the house every day, even if for a short while.
  • Find a support group for new mothers.
  • If the sad feelings don't go away by about the tenth day after your baby's birth, call your provider.

Postpartum depression is the most common problem for new mothers. It can happen any time in the first three months after having a baby. You may have postpartum depression if you have five or more of the following signs that last for two weeks or longer:

  • Little interest in your usual activities or hobbies
  • Feeling tired all the time
  • Changes in how much or how you want to eat
  • Gaining or losing weight
  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Trouble concentrating or making decisions
  • Thoughts about suicide or death

If you think you have postpartum depression, call your provider right away. There are things your provider can do to help treat the depression and make you feel better.