PPD vs Baby blues?

Since there are so many posts on it - what is the difference? When is it not baby blues anymore?

I know I had something going on - I don't think it was depression though - I think it was the stress of doing so much on my own with an infant who never slept, and my DH getting sick (remember the bathtub incident???? )

I loved Cailen so much, and enjoyed being with him, but everything else in my life seemed so overwhelming... it lifted, I would have to say, during the summer... when he was abt 4 mts old - i never felt suicidal, but I had this horrible fear something would happen to Cailen, and I dwelled on dying all the time....

Re: PPD vs Baby blues?

Here is what I found on one website:

The baby blues can happen in the days right after childbirth and normally go away within a few days to a week. A new mother can have sudden mood swings, sadness, crying spells, loss of appetite, sleeping problems, and feel irritable, restless, anxious, and lonely. Symptoms are not severe and treatment isn’t needed. But there are things you can do to feel better. Nap when the baby does. Ask for help from your spouse, family members, and friends. Join a support group of new moms or talk with other moms.

Postpartum depression can happen anytime within the first year after childbirth. A woman may have a number of symptoms such as sadness, lack of energy, trouble concentrating, anxiety, and feelings of guilt and worthlessness. The difference between postpartum depression and the baby blues is that postpartum depression often affects a woman’s well-being and keeps her from functioning well for a longer period of time. Postpartum depression needs to be treated by a doctor. Counseling, support groups, and medicines are things that can help.

Postpartum psychosis is rare. It occurs in 1 or 2 out of every 1000 births and usually begins in the first 6 weeks postpartum. Women who have bipolar disorder or another psychiatric problem called schizoaffective disorder have a higher risk for developing postpartum psychosis. Symptoms may include delusions, hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and obsessive thoughts about the baby. A woman may have rapid mood swings, from depression to irritability to euphoria.








For me I had PPD. My depression did not lift for a long time. I was erratic in my thinking I had and still at times have a sense of being unworthy of being my daughter's mother. I constantly tell my husband that I really sux as a mother.

Re: PPD vs Baby blues?

Posted by lipglossjunky73

Since there are so many posts on it - what is the difference? When is it not baby blues anymore?

I know I had something going on - I don't think it was depression though - I think it was the stress of doing so much on my own with an infant who never slept, and my DH getting sick (remember the bathtub incident???? )

I loved Cailen so much, and enjoyed being with him, but everything else in my life seemed so overwhelming... it lifted, I would have to say, during the summer... when he was abt 4 mts old - i never felt suicidal, but I had this horrible fear something would happen to Cailen, and I dwelled on dying all the time....

Re: PPD vs Baby blues?

I was a little weepy right after giving birth. DH used to laugh b/c I'd start crying while folding laundry and when he'd ask what was wrong I'd say I didn't know! I found nights tougher than days but the weepy went away after two weeks if I remember correctly.