Baby blues and feeling emotional after having a baby

Baby Blues

In the early days following birth, mothers may experience a temporary condition commonly known as ‘the baby blues’. The baby blues are very common - up to 80 per cent of women experience them. 

Usually occuring between the third to the fifth day after welcoming a baby, women describe feeling very distressed and/or emotional, teary and irritable. 

It's important to understand that these overwhelming feelings are completely normal and natural - they're due to the sudden change in your hormone levels following the birth. The baby blues will usually disappear within a few days - there is generally no need for any treatment other than understanding, rest and support.

However, if these symptoms do not pass on their own and continue,  it may be a sign of another type of mental health condition like postnatal depression or postnatal anxiety. In this case, it is important to seek help.

"My worries didn’t start until I got home really, while in hospital I had the classic baby blues symptoms but they never really seemed to go away entirely."

Too often women delayed seeking help for what was postnatal depression and or anxiety, thinking they were experiencing the baby blues and that it would pass. The faster you seek advice about this, and the need for treatment, the faster you will recover.

Your emotional adjustment to new parenthood 

While welcoming a new baby can be a time of great joy and wonder, you may experience some other, unexpected feelings. Go gently with yourself and remember that you're not alone. These are common  struggles and support is available.

Some women experience ongoing feelings of disappointment if their birth did not go to plan. For others, having problems with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding can be frustrating and exhausting. 

There may be other background pressures as well, such as financial concerns due to reduced incomes, or alternatively feeling guilty and sad if you find that you need to return to work. 

These issues can be further compounded if your baby is unsettled and you feel that you are not able to get the emotional support you need from those around you.

Why it's helpful to seek support

At times like this, talking to someone that you trust and feel you can be open with can be very helpful. As you adjust to new parenthood, it is easy during times of stress, to start thinking that ‘you are not cut out for motherhood’.

Seeking support sooner rather than later can provide a sense of relief and control. Supportive counselling sessions with your partner can also help you both identify ways you can work together to reduce the stress.