Baby Blues

Becoming a parent is often one of the most rewarding and life-changing experiences a person can have. However, for many new parents, the joys of parenthood can be overshadowed by feelings of sadness, anxiety, and overwhelming stress. This is sometimes referred to as the “baby blues”, which is thought to be a less severe form of postpartum depression and can develop due to a variety of factors. According to the National Institutes of Health, if you experience the baby blues, you might have crying spells or mood swings, feel sad or overwhelmed, or experience insomnia.

Seeking professional help

While baby blues often resolve on their own, it can be crucial to reach out for professional help if symptoms persist or interfere with your ability to care for your child. You can speak with a healthcare provider or connect with a licensed mental health professional, whether in your community or online. 

Understanding baby blues

What causes it?

• Hormonal changes: The rapid changes in hormone levels (such as estrogen and progesterone) after birth could contribute to feelings of sadness and anxiety.
• Physical exhaustion: The physical demands of childbirth and caring for a newborn can take a toll on a person's body and lead to feelings of fatigue and exhaustion.
• Emotional stress: The transition to parenthood can be overwhelming and stressful, potentially leading to feelings of anxiety and sadness.
• Lack of sleep: Newborns often have unpredictable sleep patterns, which can leave a new parent feeling exhausted and stressed.
• Social isolation: Many new parents feel isolated and alone, particularly if they are not getting the support they need from their partners or families.

The physical and emotional changes that can come with having a new baby may take a toll on some parents. Therefore, it can be ideal for partners to understand the impact of baby blues. Partners can play a helpful role in providing emotional support, practical help, and understanding during the baby blues. You may also do the following:

• Offer to take on additional responsibilities at home, such as cooking, cleaning, or childcare, to alleviate some of the stress and fatigue that your partner may be experiencing.
• Listen actively and validate your partner's feelings.
• Try to avoid minimizing or dismissing their experiences.
• Plan quality time together, whether going for a walk, watching a movie, or having a date night.
• Be mindful of your stress and emotions and prioritize self-care for yourself.

Coping strategies for baby blues

If you are experiencing baby blues, please know that you are not alone and that there are things you can do to cope with these feelings.

• Seek support: Connecting with other new parents or a therapist may provide you with the emotional support you need to cope with the challenges of parenthood.
• Take care of yourself: Make sure you get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly.
• Be realistic: Recognize that it can be completely normal to experience sadness, anxiety, and stress during the postpartum period.
• Accept help: If people offer to help you, it can be best to accept rather than attempt to do everything on your own.
• Practice self-care: Try to make sure you take time each day to relax and unwind.
• Seek professional help: If your feelings of sadness, anxiety or stress persist for more than a few weeks or are severe enough to interfere with your ability to care for yourself and your baby, it’s generally best to seek professional help.

Benefits of online therapy

Effectiveness of online therapy

Recent studies have investigated online cognitive-behavioral therapy (OCBT) as a potential treatment option for postpartum depression symptomatology, which tends to be closely related to baby blues. One study found that OCBT could be effective in reducing symptoms of postpartum depression. The results of this study demonstrate that online therapy could be an effective option for new parents.