You may have heard of the "Baby Blues", but more serious symptoms can also arise varying in severity and duration. Symptoms are more commonly found after the birth of the child, but can appear at any time during the pregnancy.

Postpartum mood disorders affect millions of women worldwide, regardless of race, age, culture or socio-economic status. Symptoms may include feeling sad and overwhelmed, angry or frustrated, nervous and confused. Mothers experiencing a postpartum mood disorder may feel alone and ashamed.

Fathers are also impacted by postpartum mood disorders and their own life-changing experience that may be very different from that of the mother. These differences place an enormous amount of stress on the couple’s relationship.

GOOD NEWS! Postpartum mood disorders are highly treatable. With proper education and intervention, mothers are likely to make a full recovery. When fathers are involved in this process, the couple’s relationship is likely to improve as well.

Jump to:

Baby Blues
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
Postpartum Panic Disorder
Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Postpartum Psychosis


"Baby Blues"

75-80% of postpartum women experience the "Baby Blues" . It usually starts 2-3 days after birth, and peaks at 7-10 days. Symptoms are generally mild and usually don’t last longer than 2 weeks. Symptoms include:

• Feeling sad and overwhelmed
• Crying spells
• Anxiety mood swings/irritability
• Confusion
• Feeling lonely
• Inability to cope
• Inability to sleep

Treatment of the "Baby Blues" involves participation in a Support Group, assistance with infant care and rest for mom.

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Postpartum Depression (PPD)

10-20 % of postpartum women will experience PPD. Postpartum Depression usually starts within the first 4-8 weeks after birth, but can start anytime during the first year after delivery. Symptoms last from 3-14 months or longer if left untreated. Depression can have significant effects on mother-baby attachment and bonding, and professional help is highly recommended. Symptoms of PPD are more severe than those of the "Baby Blues" and include:

• Feeling sad and worthless
• Frequent crying
• Insomnia
• Changes in appetite
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Racing thoughts
• Agitation and/or anxiety
• Obsessive thoughts of being inadequate as a parent
• Feeling disconnected from the baby
• Possible suicidal thoughts
• Lack of interest in usual activities and personal appearance

Risk factors for PPD include a personal or family history of PPD, bipolar disorder or other mood disorder, history of severe PMS or infertility, unstable relationship with your partner, and being a first time mom. Treatment includes individual or couple’s therapy, group therapy or support group meetings, medication, practical assistance with infant care and day-to-day demands.

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Postpartum Anxiety Disorders

Postpartum anxiety disorders are common, but under-diagnosed because of the belief that new mothers are naturally anxious. There are two forms of postpartum anxiety disorders.

1. Postpartum Panic Disorder affects up to 10% of postpartum women. Risk factors include having a history of anxiety or panic attacks and thyroid dysfunction. Symptoms include:
   • severe anxiety
   • recurring panic attacks
   • excessive worry and fears (most commonly of dying, losing control or going crazy)

2. Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects 3-5% of new mothers. Symptoms include:
   • repetitive disturbing thoughts or mental images
   • compulsive behaviors intended to reduce those thoughts
   • a sense of horror about those thoughts

Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is the most under-reported and under-treated disorder of childbirth since these symptoms are often horrifying or embarrassing to the mother. She may also fear that others think of her as a risk to the child.

Treatment of Postpartum OCD includes individual therapy in conjunction with medication, couple’s therapy, group therapy or support group, practical assistance with child care and day-to-day chores.

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Postpartum Psychosis

This complication occurs in 1-2 of every 1,000 births. Symptoms usually appear within the first two weeks to three months after delivery. Women are 20-30% more likely to be hospitalized for a psychotic episode in the first 30 days after delivery than in any other time of their life. There is a 10% rate of suicide/infanticide associated with this disorder. It is treatable and immediate intervention is imperative once symptoms appear. Some indicators for Postpartum Psychosis are:

• Acute onset of psychotic symptoms (feeling paranoid, hearing or seeing things that don’t exist)
• Extreme agitation
• Hyperactivity
• Insomnia
• Severe mood swings
• Confusion
• Irrational behavior
• Difficulty with memory and concentration

Treatment consists of temporary hospitalization, medication, temporary removal of the infant from the mother’s care, psychotherapy, and support groups.

You are NOT alone.     You are NOT to blame.     You WILL be well .

East Valley Maternal Wellness is here to help!

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