Baby blues is a common experience for the majority of women after the birth of their baby.
Symptoms can include mood swings, tearfulness, feeling anxious, stressed or overwhelmed. This can occur anytime from birth up to 2 weeks postpartum, though often these symptoms are usually most intense around day 3. It is important to prioritise self-care and rest. As part of your self-care, you might consider who is going to be around on that day to support you - this is not the best day for visitors unless they are part of your inner circle - consider having visitors either before or after day 3 so that you can prioritise your own needs during this time of enormous hormonal change.
Symptoms of baby blues typically resolve within 2 weeks. If you are experiencing symptoms well beyond this time, it may be useful to seek an assessment for a perinatal mental health issue. There can be many factors contributing to these ongoing symptoms, including significant sleep deprivation, lack of support, difficulties with feeding or settling bub, or prolonged effects from the birth itself. It is also a time of huge change and adjustment, with changes in identity, roles, body, hormones, relationships & finances - any one of these changes can be a risk factor for a deterioration in mental health.
An appropriate first step is to speak to your GP or healthcare provider, and if needed, seek support from a perinatal psychologist. Postnatal depression, anxiety, stress and trauma are all common conditions experienced in the postnatal period. It does not mean that you have failed in any way or that you should feel shame or guilt for requiring support - it's actually the opposite. Perinatal therapists are regularly inspired by mothers' seeking help to improve things for their entire family unit.
If you require support, we offer both online and in clinic support for new parents.