What is the difference between the baby blues and postpartum depression?
When the baby blues never end and mom still doesn’t feel better, it can be the start of a postpartum depression. It affects about 1 in 10 mothers and 1 in 3 times it is serious. It generally affects women already suffering from a depressive state, very young mothers or having relationship difficulties with their family or their spouse, but also mothers with no psychological history of fragility. Most often, it is manifested by great depression, intense sadness, insomnia, anxiety attacks and appetite disturbances. It also happens that the mother reveals an inordinate concern for her baby or, conversely, an indifference.
1 in 2 moms affected by the baby blues
In the very first days after giving birth or returning home (sometimes one to two weeks after baby is born), it is not uncommon for a mother to feel lost and a little lonely. In the maternity ward, she was supported and advised. Now she has to trust her instincts and fend for herself with Baby while waiting for Grandma to pay her a little visit or for Dad to come home. What an upheaval in his life suddenly! Most of the time, this form of depression called baby blues affects about 50% of women and only lasts a few days. But it is better to be vigilant, because if this simple cockroach persists, it sometimes evolves into a real depressive state. And many young mothers are all the less daring to admit their discomfort when they are well surrounded, when they have … everything to be happy. If you have just a little low morale, take action! Do not stay alone (call your mother, a friend …), drop everything that is not essential for a while (cleaning, paperwork …) to devote yourself completely to your baby. Hug him close to your skin so that he expresses how happy he is to start his life in your arms, rest as much as possible and think about giving yourself small pleasures that cheer up your spirits (chocolate, perfumed bath, even a movie with girlfriends …).
And if you do not dare to admit your ill-being to those close to you, never hesitate to push open the door of your attending physician. It will be invaluable advice to help you get your family life off to a good start.
Treat yourself if the baby blues persists
It is necessary to consult without delay if one feels “sliding” towards an insurmountable depression, if one has the feeling of “not being able to get out of it”, by asking for the help of a midwife or a nurse. Home nursery nurse (information at the town hall or at the PMI). And if you don’t want to alert your loved ones, health professionals (general practitioner, psychologist …) are there to listen to you and help you. And as in any depression, the earlier the treatment, the more likely it is to recover quickly.
