Baby Blues vs Postpartum Depression: How to Tell the Difference

Plenty of moms feel a little down, depressed or anxious in the days following childbirth — it’s a relatively common component of the postpartum experience. However, there’s a huge difference between a low mood (usually caused by the general stress and turbulence a newborn typically brings with it) and an unshakeable sadness.

Knowing the difference between postpartum depression and what’s often referred to simply as the “baby blues” can be tricky because symptoms tend to develop gradually, and emotional peaks and troughs are a feature of parenthood — not a bug. This said, we’d always recommend that you speak to a medical professional if your mental health has suffered since giving birth.

But if you’re simply wondering how to spot the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression, we’ll tell you all you need to know below.

What’s the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression?

It can be really tricky to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of early parenthood, especially if you’re a first-time mom. A little sadness (along with anxiety, stress, fear — you name it) is par for the course, but it’s crucial to learn the difference between the temporary, common experience of the baby blues, and the much more serious postpartum depression (PPD).

Both conditions share similar traits — such as feeling sad, overwhelmed, or anxious — but what separates them is a matter of severity and duration. The baby blues typically resolve on their own within a couple of weeks, while the impact of postpartum depression is more severe and can persist for months, usually requiring medical intervention.

If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing the baby blues or something more serious, it’s always best to speak to a professional. By understanding the distinct characteristics of both, you can better gauge what might be going on and whether additional support is necessary.

What are the baby blues?

The so-called “baby blues” are incredibly common, and while there isn’t a scientific consensus on the exact figures, it’s estimated that up to 85% of new moms will experience it to some degree in the days or weeks following childbirth. So, if you’re feeling a little off-kilter after bringing your tot home, know that you’re not alone.

The baby blues are characterized by feelings of sadness, irritability, anxiety, or mood swings. You might feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or just plain down in the dumps, but these emotions are, for most moms, all part of the parenting package.

Your brand-new routine combined with massive amounts of responsibility, aren’t exactly a recipe for serenity and calm… Season with a sprinkle of sleep deprivation and plummeting hormones, and it’s easy to see how caring for a newborn can take quite a toll on your mental health.

Symptoms of the baby blues can include:

Feeling overwhelmed or tearful
Irritability or mood swings
Difficulty sleeping (not related to your baby’s sleep habits!)
A general sense of fatigue or exhaustion
Trouble focusing or concentrating
Feelings of self-doubt or insecurity about your new role as a mother

The silver lining? These feelings usually don’t last long. Most women start to feel more like themselves within two weeks of giving birth, as their hormones stabilize and they get into a rhythm with their new routine.

What causes the baby blues?

Strictly speaking, there isn’t one single cause of the baby blues, but hormonal changes are generally assigned most of the blame… After childbirth, your levels of estrogen and progesterone drop dramatically, often playing havoc with your mood. But that’s only part of the story — other contributing factors include:

Sleep deprivation: As any new parent knows, getting a good night’s rest can be nearly impossible with a newborn. This lack of sleep can contribute to feelings of stress and exhaustion.
Physical recovery: Whether you had a vaginal birth or a cesarean section, your body is going through a recovery period that can cause physical discomfort, which may add to emotional stress.
Emotional adjustment: The transition to motherhood (or parenthood) is a major life change that can leave anyone feeling unsettled. Even if you’re thrilled about your new baby, adjusting to a completely new routine and identity can feel overwhelming.

Can your partner get baby blues?

Yes, although it’s much less talked about!

While your partner might not have first-hand experience of childbirth (lucky!) they can still experience the baby blues. They won’t be contending with the physical and hormonal shifts that you’re blessed with, but they’ve still got to share the responsibilities of parenthood and adjust to all of the changes inherent in raising a family.

Partners may feel:

Stress or anxiety about their new role
Exhaustion from lack of sleep (yes, it’s hard for everyone!)
Sadness about the lack of quality time with their partner due to the baby’s needs
Emotional withdrawal or frustration with how their partner is coping

What is postpartum depression (PPD)?

Postpartum depression is a much more serious condition that goes way beyond the usual feelings of sadness or anxiety, sometimes persisting for months and preventing you from living a normal, functional life.

PPD doesn’t typically resolve on its own, and it may worsen without treatment — in extreme cases, leading to serious harm to both you and your baby — which is why it’s so important to seek help if you’re struggling.

Symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) can include:

Persistent sadness or hopelessness that lasts for more than a couple of weeks
Severe anxiety or panic attacks that are difficult to control
Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
Difficulty bonding with your baby or feeling disconnected
Feeling numb or “out of touch” with reality
Extreme fatigue or exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby (this requires immediate medical attention!)

Remember: even if you’re only experiencing one or two of the symptoms listed above, it’s best to seek help. The earlier PPD is detected, the easier it is to treat.

Is postpartum depression the same as postnatal depression?

Yes. Postpartum depression and postnatal depression are often used interchangeably, and both describe the feelings of sadness, anxiety, and detachment that women sometimes experience after childbirth. The use of each term generally depends on regional preferences — “postpartum” is more common in the US, for example, while “postnatal” may be used more often in the UK.

What causes postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression can be linked to many of the same triggers as the baby blues, but certain factors may increase the risk of “normal” emotional ups and downs developing into a more serious condition. For example, one or more of the following factors may play a part in the development of PPD:

Genetic factors: A family history of depression or anxiety may increase the likelihood of developing PPD.
Hormonal changes: As with the baby blues, the drop in estrogen and progesterone post-birth, as well as other hormones produced by the thyroid gland may leave you feeling sluggish, irritable, and depressed.
Previous mental health issues: If you’ve struggled with mental health issues such as depression or anxiety in the past, you may be more susceptible to PPD.
Lack of support: Feeling isolated or unsupported by family, friends, or a partner can contribute to feelings of loneliness or helplessness that can lead to PPD.
Stress: Financial pressures, relationship difficulties, or other life stresses can make you more vulnerable to postpartum depression.

Keep in mind that there is no single cause of PPD — every mom is different, and again, if you suspect you may be suffering from postpartum depression, seek help.

Baby blues vs PPD — the key differences

	Baby Blues	Postpartum Depression
Duration	Typically resolves within 2 weeks	Persists for weeks or months
Severity	Mild to moderate symptoms	Severe and can interfere with daily life
Symptoms	Mood swings, irritability, fatigue	Sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, and severe fatigue
Impact on daily life	Limited impact, manageable	Significant impact on functioning
Treatment	Usually not required, other than a little extra help from loved ones	Typically requires medical intervention, therapy, or medication
Bonding with baby	Mild difficulty, if any	Difficulty bonding, often feeling disconnected from the baby

When should I see a doctor?

Knowing when to reach out for help is crucial. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s important to see a a doctor:

Symptoms of postpartum depression that last longer than two weeks
Difficulty bonding with your baby or feeling emotionally disconnected
Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety
Thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby

Early intervention is key to feeling better and getting the support you need. The good news is that postpartum depression is treatable, and with the right support, most parents make a full recovery.

If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing the baby blues or postpartum depression, don’t hesitate to reach out to a doctor. There’s no shame in seeking help — taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your baby.

Treatments for postpartum depression

Postpartum depression can be a dark, lonely, frightening path to walk alone, but with support and treatment, you can make it through. Your first step should always be to consult a medical professional, after which, you’ll likely be referred to one or more of the following treatment paths:

Self help

While professional help is crucial if you’re suffering from PPD, there are some things you can do to gain a little more control over your mental health alongside your chosen treatment method. Talking to your family and friends about how you’re feeling, making time for yourself (such as a relaxing bubble bath or a trip to the park), regular exercise, and eating a healthy diet can all give you a little boost in the right direction.

Talking therapy

Talking therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is often an effective treatment for postpartum depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) are two types of therapies commonly used to treat depression.

Antidepressants

In some cases, medication may be necessary to help manage the symptoms of postpartum depression. Antidepressants (such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to help improve mood and alleviate feelings of sadness or hopelessness.

Remember, if you’re at all worried about your mental health, please consult a medical professional as soon as possible.