Baby Blues
- Occurs in 50 to 80 per cent of new mothers
- Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, moodiness, irritability, fatigue and worry.
- Generally occurs between three to five days postpartum and resolves within one to two weeks
- These symptoms are normal feelings as a result of having a new baby
Perinatal Depression
- Occurs in up to 20 per cent of women
- May occur during pregnancy or within the first year following delivery or adoption.
- Starts with same symptoms of baby blues, but the symptoms continue beyond two weeks and are present on most days
- Requires treatment to avoid negative impact on mother, baby and family
Most common symptoms:
- Depressed and/or irritable
- Loss of interest or pleasure
- Bouts of crying / feeling sad
- Sleep disturbances
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue and/or loss of energy
- Poor concentration and/or difficulty making decisions
- Negative feelings about motherhood
- No motivation, social isolation
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- In severe cases, thoughts of death, harming self or baby
