Health Topics for Pregnancy and Childbirth

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Department of Pediatrics

UI Family Care Center

Iowa Registry for Congenital and Inherited Disorders

Postpartum blues

Having a baby is hard work, both emotionally and physically. Feeling sad or blue shortly after the birth of a baby is very common. This is normal given the adjustments a new mother must make. For most women, these postpartum blues are mild and go away within 1 to 2 weeks. However, for a small percentage of mothers, especially very young mothers, the depression is more severe and lasts longer.

You may experience postpartum depression within a few days or a few weeks after giving birth or having a miscarriage. While hormone changes after giving birth seem to play a part, the full causes are not known.

Besides feeling sad and uninterested in activities, you may also:

• feel unable or unwilling to care for your baby
• be irritable
• have trouble falling asleep, wake up very early, or sleep too much
• have little or too excessive appetite
• feel tired and low in energy
• have low sexual desire and function
• feel worthless and guilty
• have trouble concentrating or remembering things and
• feel hopeless or just do not care about anything

Here are some things you can do to protect yourself against postpartum blues:

• Exercise. Be sure it is appropriate for your physical condition in the days right after giving birth.
• Participate in activities. Arrange short outings. If the weather is good, take the baby and meet a friend in the park. Go out for coffee. Join a mothers-and babies group. Connecting with other adults changes the feeling that you are all alone with the baby.
• Eat a healthy diet. Drink 2 to 3 quarts of fluids a day. Your body is replacing blood lost during the birth process and coping with hormone changes. Eat protein, grains, fruits, and vegetables. You will need extra protein and liquids if you are breastfeeding.
• Get enough rest. Sleep whenever the baby sleeps. Keep visits from family and friends short.
• Get some help. Your partner, a friend, or a relative can do chores like cooking, grocery shopping, or laundry. This gives you time and energy to care for the baby and yourself.

A small number of women may develop the more serious postpartum depression anytime up to one year after delivery. Any woman who is feeling sad and uninterested in activities needs to see her provider. These women will need treatment for the depression, which may include medication and counseling. If there are concerns about postpartum blues, speak with your provider.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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