A brand new mom goes by way of vital adjustments in her way of life and the postpartum journey for a lot of is filled with ups and downs. Along with enduring bodily discomfort, a lady additionally fights a battle together with her thoughts, as she ready herself for an arduous but fulfilling journey known as motherhood. Post giving delivery, a lady’s physique and thoughts additionally bear adjustments because of hormonal imbalance. There are two phrases that we come throughout whereas discussing maternal psychological well being – postpartum child blues and pospartum despair. While these phrases are used interchangeably, they’re fully totally different from each other. (Also learn: Postpartum nutrition: Foods to prevent depression in new mothers)

While child blues is a brief time period situation that lasts for per week or month postpartum despair is full-blown psychological well being situation the place emotions of hopelessness and vacancy are skilled and lasts for for much longer. In case of child blues, new moms really feel temper fluctuations, disappointment, overwhelmed, because of adjustments in physique, thoughts, routine and new obligations, in case of despair, which can even begin months after supply, a mom consistently feels hopeless, experiences adjustments in urge for food, feels detachment from her baby and the world and is unable to really feel something.

Dr Pooja Chaudhry Thukral, Associate Director, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Faridabad in an interview with HT Digital explains distinction between signs of postpartum blues and postpartum despair.

Difference between Postpartum blues and Postpartum despair

“Postpartum blues and postpartum depression are two distinct conditions that can occur after childbirth. While they share some similarities, they differ in terms of severity, duration, and impact on a woman’s emotional well-being. Here’s an overview of the differences between postpartum blues and postpartum depression,” says Dr Thukral.

Postpartum blues

Postpartum blues, also referred to as ‘child blues,’ is a comparatively frequent situation that impacts many ladies after giving delivery. It usually begins inside a couple of days of supply and may final for as much as two weeks.

The signs of postpartum blues embody:

Mood swings

Tearfulness

Anxiety

Irritability

Difficulty sleeping

Feeling overwhelmed

Mild disappointment or emotional sensitivity

Is child blues regular?

Baby blues are thought of a traditional response to the hormonal and emotional changes that happen after childbirth.

“It is estimated that around 50-80% of new mothers experience some degree of postpartum blues. The symptoms are usually mild and self-limiting, and most women recover without requiring medical intervention,” says Dr Thukral.

Postpartum despair

Postpartum despair (PPD) is a extra extreme and long-lasting situation that happens in some girls after childbirth. Sometimes it’s known as peripartum despair as a result of it could begin throughout being pregnant and proceed after childbirth.

It is characterised by intense emotions of disappointment, hopelessness, and despair that persist for greater than two weeks.

The signs of postpartum despair could embody:

Persistent emotions of disappointment or vacancy

Loss of curiosity or pleasure in actions

Changes in urge for food and weight

Sleep disturbances (insomnia or extreme sleep)

Fatigue or lack of power

Difficulty concentrating or making selections

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or self-blame

Recurrent ideas of loss of life or suicide

Is postpartum despair critical?

“Postpartum depression can interfere with a woman’s ability to care for herself and her baby. If left untreated, it can have serious consequences for both the mother and the child. It is estimated that postpartum depression affects around 10-20% of new mothers,” says Dr Thukral.

It’s essential to notice that postpartum despair is totally different from the ‘child blues’ due to the severity and persistence of signs. While postpartum blues normally resolve on their very own, postpartum despair requires skilled assist and therapy.

Common causes for experiencing postpartum blues or despair as per Dr Thukral are:

Challenges in breastfeeding

Inadequate assist from household

Myths round meals, water consumption created my elders within the household

Staying away from work for workaholics

Pain in episiotomy for cesarean website scar

Family historical past

History of comparable episode in earlier being pregnant

Doctor shares her postpartum blues expertise

“Being a gynaecologist, I experienced postpartum blues after my first delivery. It was because of the support of my parents and siblings that I was able to overcome it. Speaking about how you are feeling after delivery with your near and dear ones is the best therapy. However, if the symptoms persist then don’t shy away from proceeding with treatment. If you suspect that you or someone you know may be experiencing postpartum depression, it is crucial to seek help from a healthcare provider. Remember, only a healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and guide you toward appropriate treatment options,” concludes Dr Thukral.