Happy as a Mother is now Momwell. Same mission and services, different look.
LEARN MORE
Happy as a Mother is now Momwell. Same mission and services, different look.
LEARN MORE

August 21, 2023

January 12, 2022

Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression: How to Spot the Signs So You Can Seek Support

E:
103
with
Dr. Kristina Deligiannidis
Reproductive Psychiatrist

What You'll Learn

  • The Signs of Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression
  • How to Differentiate Between Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression
  • Recognizing Postpartum Depression When it Starts During Pregnancy
  • When to Seek Treatment
  • Planning for Postpartum Self-Care

Postpartum blues are a common part of having a baby. Between sleep deprivation, hormone changes, and the overwhelming responsibility of caring for a newborn, “normal” life can seem impossible. Many moms experience weepiness, irritability, and mood changes as they adjust to life as a new parent. 

But these symptoms aren’t always typical baby blues—they’re also signs of postpartum depression. So how can new moms tell the difference? When should they seek care? And can they ever expect to feel “normal” again? Reproductive Psychiatrist Dr. Kristina Deligiannidis explains the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression and shares tips for knowing when to seek care.

Baby Blues vs. PPD: A Fine Line

When I was pregnant with my third son, I started to feel unlike myself. I was more exhausted than I had ever been. I already had two young boys at home, I was still nursing my second son, and fatigue hit me big time. 

At first, it seemed normal. After all, who wouldn’t be exhausted with two under three and another on the way? But once my third son was born, I started to realize that the fatigue was beyond normal. I wasn’t just tired. I wasn’t just adjusting. Something more was going on. 

I wasn’t just tired. I wasn’t just adjusting. Something more was going on.

But even with my experience with postpartum depression in my clients, I had trouble telling the difference. It took me a few weeks into postpartum life to decide it was time to seek help! That’s because the line between postpartum depression and baby blues can be very fine. 

That’s why this conversation with Dr. Kristina is so important. Moms, if you’re out there wondering “is this normal?” you’re in the right place. Dr. Kristina and I are here with our insights on baby blues vs. postpartum depression. 

The Signs of Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression

The signs of baby blues and postpartum depression are often similar—tearfulness, disrupted sleep, mood swings, anxiety, and irritability. But Dr. Kristina told us that when it comes to the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression, specialists look for three factors—onset, severity, and duration. 

Specialists look for three factors—onset, severity, and duration.

ONSET: Baby blues typically start within the first couple of weeks after a baby is born. With postpartum depression, it isn’t so clear-cut. Symptoms might start later, or even during pregnancy.

SEVERITY: While PPD does range in severity, it tends to come with more severe symptoms than baby blues. Moms with baby blues might find themselves fluctuating between feeling fine and experiencing bursts of sadness, but it usually isn’t as severe. 

DURATION: Finally, how long the symptoms last is a big clue in determining baby blues vs. PPD. Baby blues normally don’t last more than 2-3 weeks. PPD, on the other hand, can last months or even years.

How to Differentiate Between Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression

Determining the difference between baby blues and PPD can be tough, but there are distinct differences. In addition to the onset, severity, and duration, Dr. Kristina shared a few big factors that help distinguish between the two. 

With baby blues, moms are more likely to experience “roller coasters” of emotion—fluctuations in mood. In between episodes of tearfulness, they’ll likely have moments of joy and normalcy. They’re likely to say that their moments of sadness come out of nowhere. 

In PPD, however, the changes tend to be more stagnant. Moms battling PPD usually report that their sadness, anxiety and worry, loss of interest in normal activity, or tearfulness are ongoing. For example, they might feel irritable most of the time or suffer from sleep disruption every night. 

But the biggest distinguishing factor between baby blues and PPD is impairment. Baby blues normally do not keep a mom from caring for herself or her baby. With PPD, taking care of yourself can feel overwhelming or impossible. 

Recognizing Postpartum Depression When it Starts During Pregnancy

When I’m working with my clients, I often hear about symptoms of PPD starting during pregnancy. Many moms don’t realize that PPD can start before the baby is born. 

I think back to my own experience, and the intense fatigue that was probably beyond normal pregnancy exhaustion. It was easy to dismiss my symptoms. Even clinicians will often overlook PPD during pregnancy, chalking them up to regular pregnancy hormones. 

Clinicians will often overlook PPD during pregnancy, chalking them up to regular pregnancy hormones.

But according to Dr. Kristina, half of PPD cases start during pregnancy. It’s important to look for the signs even before the baby is born and seek treatment if you feel like symptoms are persisting or abnormal. 

When to Seek Treatment

Sometimes moms are hesitant to seek support. We rationalize our symptoms, tell ourselves it’s just sleep deprivation, and close ourselves off instead of opening up. But seeking support was the best thing I could do for myself, for my marriage, and for my children. 

So how do we know when it’s time to seek support? If your symptoms last for more than 2-3 weeks, bring it up with your doctor. But Dr. Kristina is quick to point out that if symptoms are severe, you don’t need to wait for that period of time. Go ahead and reach out earlier. 

Other signs that it’s time to seek treatment are if you’re telling yourself things like:

I don’t feel like myself anymore…

I don’t remember the last time I felt normal…

Maybe I need help…

These are signs that it’s time to bring it up with a professional. If you’re at the point where you’re wondering if you should seek support, it’s probably time. 

Planning for Postpartum Self-Care

My clients often reach out and ask what they can do to prepare for postpartum life. Part of that preparation comes from making a plan. 

Dr. Kristina pointed out that moms often feel pressured to do it all, and that can make the adjustment very difficult. Many moms don’t feel empowered to take care of themselves. 

Moms often feel pressured to do it all, and that can make the adjustment very difficult.

Setting up a plan in advance can help. Think of how others can support you. Talk to your community and establish a plan for them to check in on you. Decide on tasks that can be delegated to other people. 

Most importantly, remember that it’s okay to take care of yourself. Exercise, eating healthy, sleeping—these aren’t luxuries. They matter, both for you and your baby. As Dr. Kristina said, “for babies to thrive, mom has to thrive, and families have to thrive.”  

For moms battling PPD, remember that there is hope. You can and will feel like yourself again. The right support is out there for you—you just have to find it!

We have a great resource for making a postpartum plan in advance—download our Postpartum Prep List to get started!  

NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Tags:

Postpartum Depression

Stage:

Postpartum

Share Now:

OUR GUEST

Dr. Kristina Deligiannidis
Reproductive Psychiatrist

Kristina Deligiannidis, MD, received her medical degree from and completed her psychiatry residency and chief residency in psychopharmacology research at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. After residency, she completed a visiting fellowship and further training in multimodal neuroimaging at the Massachusetts General Hospital/Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging.

Kristina is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and currently serves as the director of women’s behavioral health at Zucker Hillside Hospital. As a reproductive psychiatrist, she has expertise in treating women with mood and anxiety disorders linked to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy/postpartum and perimenopause.

Erica Djossa
Erica Djossa
PMH-C | Founder of Momwell
Erica is the founder of Momwell, providing educational resources and virtual therapy for moms. She is a mom of three boys and a registered psychotherapist. Erica’s work has been featured in the Toronto Star, Breakfast Television, Scary Mommy, Medium, Pop Sugar, and Romper. how they want it.
RELATED ARTICLES
September 20, 2023
September 20, 2023
Managing Mom Anxiety: Why Millennial Moms Are So Anxious and How to Overcome Our Fears
E:
191
with
Dr. Lauren Cook
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
September 18, 2023
September 13, 2023
Embracing Power as Moms: Reshaping Dynamics In and Out of the Home
E:
190
with
Claire Shipman
NYT Bestselling Author
September 18, 2023
September 6, 2023
How to Raise Confident Kids: Breaking Cycles of Negative Self-Esteem
E:
189
with
Dr. Vanessa Lapointe
Founder of The North Star Developmental Clinic
September 18, 2023
August 23, 2023
Understanding Sensory Self-Care: How Overstimulated Moms Can Regulate and Regain Calm
E:
187
with
Holly Peretz
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
September 12, 2023
August 16, 2023
Navigating Matrescence: The Roller Coaster of Becoming a Mom
E:
186
with
Dr. Catherine Birndorf
Co-Founder and Medical Director of The Motherhood Center of New York
August 21, 2023
July 26, 2023
The Journey of a Bereaved Parent: Stefania Thomson’s Story of Navigating Grief and Loss
E:
183
with
Stefania Thomson
Bereavement and Grief Advocate
July 17, 2023
June 21, 2023
Myths About Toddler Behavior: How to Reclaim the "Terrible Twos"
E:
178
with
Dr. Cathryn Tobin
Pediatrician
April 24, 2023
March 29, 2023
Birth Trauma Part 2: Facing Pregnancy After a Traumatic Birth
E:
166
with
Kayleigh Summers
Clinical Social Worker
April 17, 2023
March 22, 2023
Birth Trauma Part 1: How Birth Trauma Impacts Our Family Decision Making
E:
165
with
Kayleigh Summers
Clinical Social Worker
April 10, 2023
March 15, 2023
Real Self-Care for Moms: Why Mindset Matters More Than Massages
E:
164
with
Dr. Pooja Lakshmin
Psychiatrist
March 28, 2023
February 8, 2023
Overcoming Mom Guilt: Rewriting the Motherhood Contract and Charting Your Own Path
E:
159
with
Libby Ward
Founder of Diary of an Honest Mom
May 15, 2023
December 28, 2022
Coping During Postpartum with No Family Support: When Reality Clashes with Expectations
E:
153
with
Emmalee Bierly and Jennifer Chaiken
Founders of ShrinkChicks
May 22, 2023
October 5, 2022
Protecting Maternal Sleep: The Relationship Between Sleep Deprivation and Postpartum Depression
E:
141
with
Dr. Nicole Leistikow
Reproductive Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist
May 22, 2023
September 21, 2022
Encouraging Independent Play: Why Unstructured Play Matters and How to Foster It
E:
139
with
Susie Allison
Founder of Busy Toddler
July 3, 2023
August 31, 2022
Why Does a Messy House Give Me Anxiety? How to Stress Less About Cleaning and Keep Your House Functioning
E:
136
with
KC Davis
@domesticblisters on TikTok and Founder of Struggle Care
July 18, 2023
February 16, 2022
What is Matrescence? The Transition into Motherhood (And Why Being a New Mom is Hard)
E:
108
with
Dr. Katayune Kaeni
Perinatal Psychologist
July 18, 2023
February 2, 2022
Discover Your Personal Core Values
E:
106
with
Dr. Cassidy Freitas
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
August 21, 2023
January 26, 2022
When Mommy Rage Strikes: How to Prevent and Control the Anger
E:
105
with
Dr. Ashurina Ream
Founder of Psyched Mommy
August 21, 2023
January 5, 2022
Sleep Training Doesn't Have To Be Scary
E:
102
with
Dr. Aubrie DeBear
Founder of Baby Sleep Dr.
August 21, 2023
January 19, 2022
Carrying the Mental Load: How to Redistribute the Burden and Give Moms More Freedom
E:
104
with
Eve Rodsky
New York Times Bestselling Author
August 21, 2023
January 12, 2022
Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression: How to Spot the Signs So You Can Seek Support
E:
103
with
Dr. Kristina Deligiannidis
Reproductive Psychiatrist
August 21, 2023
December 29, 2021
Decluttering: The Secret of an Easy to Tidy Home
E:
101
with
Katy Wells
Declutter Expert
August 21, 2023
December 22, 2021
100th Episode: Erica’s Husband Tells All
E:
100
with
Frenel Djossa
August 21, 2023
December 15, 2021
The Pressure to Get It Right
E:
99
with
Dr. Jen Douglas
Psychologist
August 21, 2023
November 24, 2021
Overcoming Gender Disappointment
E:
96
with
Dr. Renée Miller
Clinical Psychologist
August 21, 2023
November 17, 2021
Adding a Sibling to Your Family
E:
95
with
Bryana Kappadakunnel
Family Therapist
August 21, 2023
November 10, 2021
Regulating Your Nervous System
E:
94
with
Dr. Quincee Gideon
Psychologist
August 21, 2023
October 13, 2021
Momming With ADHD
E:
90
with
Dr. Melissa Shepard
Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist
August 21, 2023
October 6, 2021
Supporting NICU Moms
E:
89
with
Kristin Reinhart
Registered Social Worker
August 21, 2023
September 22, 2021
Working As A Mother
E:
87
with
Dr. Courtney Tracy
Founder of The Truth Doctor
August 21, 2023
September 8, 2021
Caring for the Postpartum Brain
E:
85
with
Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor
Neuroanatomist
August 21, 2023
August 18, 2021
Is Breastfeeding Worth Our Mental Health?
E:
82
with
Johanna Phillips
Maternal Mental Health Specialist
August 21, 2023
August 11, 2021
Exploring Mommy Wine Culture
E:
81
with
Michelle Smith
Addictions Counselor
August 21, 2023
July 28, 2021
When Treatment Becomes Trauma
E:
79
with
Dr. Quincee Gideon
Clinical Psychologist
August 21, 2023
July 21, 2021
PMS or Something More?
E:
78
with
Dr. Nichelle Haynes
Perinatal Psychiatrist
August 21, 2023
June 23, 2021
The Self-Compassionate Mother
E:
74
with
Dr. Kristin Neff
Associate Professor and Author
August 21, 2023
June 16, 2021
The Overstimulated Mommy
E:
73
with
Larissa Geleris
Occupational Therapist
August 21, 2023
June 9, 2021
Mom Brain
E:
72
with
Dr. Jodi Pawluski
Neuroscientist and Psychotherapist
August 21, 2023
June 2, 2021
OCD in Postpartum And Motherhood
E:
71
with
Jenna Overbaugh
Licensed Professional Counselor
August 21, 2023
May 26, 2021
Whole Brain Mommying
E:
70
with
Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor
Neuroanatomist
August 21, 2023
May 19, 2021
The Perfect Mother Myth
E:
69
with
Dr. Sophie Brock
Sociologist
August 21, 2023
April 28, 2021
A Deeper Look into the Mother Wound
E:
66
with
Bethany Webster
Author
August 28, 2023
April 14, 2021
Breaking Cycles And Interdependence
E:
64
with
Sian Crossley
Psychotherapist
August 28, 2023
March 24, 2021
Managing Screen Time Without Guilt
E:
61
with
Dr. Elizabeth Adams
Clinical Psychologist
August 28, 2023
April 7, 2021
Melissa Bernstein's Journey with Depression and Anxiety
E:
63
with
Melissa Bernstein
Co-Founder of Melissa & Doug & Author
August 28, 2023
March 3, 2021
Overcoming Resentment in Our Relationships
E:
58
with
Dr. Ashurina Ream
Founder of Psyched Mommy
August 28, 2023
February 24, 2021
Understanding the Mother Wound
E:
57
with
Bethany Webster
Author
September 18, 2023
February 10, 2021
Imposter Syndrome in Motherhood
E:
55
with
Dr. Kelly Vincent
Clinical Psychologist
September 18, 2023
February 3, 2021
Normal Mom Worry VS. Postpartum Anxiety
E:
54
with
Kate Borsato
Therapist
August 28, 2023
February 17, 2021
How Hormones Affect Our Mental Health
E:
56
with
Dr. Kristin Lasseter
Psychiatrist
September 18, 2023
January 20, 2021
Mindfulness for Mommy Rage
E:
52
with
Dr. Diana Korevaar
Psychiatrist
September 18, 2023
January 27, 2021
Coping With Miscarriage and Loss
E:
53
with
Dr. Jessica Zucker
Psychologist
August 30, 2023
January 6, 2021
Understanding Infertility and Secondary Infertility: What Causes the Struggle and When to Seek Help
E:
50
with
Dr. Natalie Crawford
OB-GYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist
September 18, 2023
December 23, 2020
Reducing Worry and Navigating the Health of Baby in 4th Trimester
E:
49
with
Dr. Mona Amin
Pediatrician
September 18, 2023
November 11, 2020
Learning to Love Your Postpartum Body
E:
46
with
Lexie Kite, Ph.D.
Co-Founder of Beauty Redefined
March 30, 2023
October 28, 2020
Maintaining Your Identity in Motherhood
E:
45
with
Chasity Holcomb
Therapist
March 30, 2023
October 14, 2020
Managing Perfectionism in Motherhood
E:
44
with
Dr. Jen Douglas
Psychologist
March 30, 2023
September 30, 2020
Managing Tantrums According to Science
E:
43
with
Cindy Hovington, Ph.D.
Founder of Curious Neuron
March 30, 2023
September 16, 2020
Celebrating 1 Year - A Look Back at the Top 5 Episodes
E:
42
with
Erica Djossa
Founder of Momwell