Many women feel very emotional and down around the 3rd or 4th day following the birth of their baby. This is called the “baby blues” and is considered a normal response to childbirth. It usually lasts a couple of days but can last a couple of weeks. It is thought that a sudden change in hormones (decrease in progesterone) that occurs on about day 3 postpartum contributes to these feelings.

Symptoms include: crying, rapid mood swings, lack of concentration, irritability, anxiety, insomnia and feelings of dependency.

It is important for women to understand that this is a common feeling that women experience following childbirth and not to be alarmed by the feelings. Studies show about 70-80% of women are affected by the baby blues. However, if these feelings last longer or are too difficult to cope with speak with your doctor or midwife as soon as possible as you could be experiencing postpartum depression.

Tips to help with the baby blues:

  • get as much rest as possible by sleeping when the baby sleeps and asking for help from family or friends
  • talk with your partner or someone you trust about how you are feeling
  • eat a well balanced diet
  • ask for help with meals, cleaning and other non-baby related tasks
  • don’t be too hard on yourself or expect everything to be perfect, adjusting to life with a new baby is difficult and it takes time
  • get outside, even for a short time, to get some fresh air
  • hire a postpartum doula

Resources:

American Pregnancy Association

About Kids Health