Short-Term Feelings of Sadness After Having a Baby (Postpartum Baby Blues): What to Know

Postpartum baby blues are mild feelings of sadness, crying, worry, or stress that a new mother may have after the birth of a baby. The condition lasts for a short time. And it may occur 2–3 days after the baby is born.

A new mother may feel happy one minute and start crying right after. These feelings are normal.

What are the causes?

The cause of baby blues isn't known. Hormone changes after birth may start some of the symptoms.

• Lack of sleep.
• Not eating well.
• Stressful life events.
• Genetics.

What are the signs or symptoms?

• Changes in mood, such as going from very happy to very sad.
• Having a hard time staying focused.
• Problems sleeping.
• Crying spells and being tearful.
• Loss of appetite.
• Irritability.
• Feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

If these symptoms last for more than 2 weeks or become more severe, you may have postpartum depression. Talk to your health care provider.

How is this diagnosed?

The baby blues are diagnosed based on a physical exam and your symptoms. Your provider may use a screening tool, or a list of questions, to help diagnose baby blues.

How is this treated?

Baby blues usually go away on their own in 1–2 weeks. Social support and rest often help during this time.

Follow these instructions at home:

Lifestyle

• Try to make time to care for yourself. Try to:
  • Get as much rest as you can. Try to take a nap when the baby sleeps.
  • Try to exercise as often as told by your provider.
    • Ask your provider what exercises are safe for you. For some people, yoga and going for a walk lessen stress.
  • Do things that you enjoy.
    • Take a bath, read, or listen to music or a podcast.
  • Ask for help when you need it. Do not try to do everything yourself.
    • Ask friends and family members to help with meals, child care, or cleaning, even for short times.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Do not smoke, vape, or use nicotine or tobacco.
• It's safest not to drink alcohol if you're breastfeeding.
  • After your baby is born, if you drink alcohol:
    • Limit how much you have to 0–1 drink a day.
    • Know how much alcohol is in your drink. In the U.S., one drink equals one 12 oz bottle of beer (355 mL), one 5 oz glass of wine (148 mL), or one 1½ oz glass of hard liquor (44 mL).

General instructions

• Talk to people close to you about how you're feeling.
  • Get support from your partner, family members, friends, or other new moms.
  • Consider joining a support group for new mothers. Ask your provider about groups you can join.
• Find ways to manage stress. This may include:
  • Writing in a journal.
  • Spending time outside.
  • Spending time with people who make you laugh.
• Try to think of positive things in your life.
• Take your medicines only as told.
• Keep all follow-up visits after your baby is born. Your provider needs to check on your health after birth.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your mental health symptoms get worse or don't go away after 2 weeks.
• You or people close to you notice that you have new mental health symptoms.

Get help right away if:

• You feel like you may hurt yourself or others.
• You have thoughts about taking your own life.
• You see or hear things that aren't there.
• You have other thoughts or feelings that worry you.

• Go to your nearest emergency room.
• Call 911.
• Contact the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (24/7, free and confidential):
  • Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA.
• For Veterans and their loved ones:
  • Call 988 and press 1.
  • Text the Veterans Crisis Line at 838255.
  • Chat online at veteranscrisisline.net