Becoming a new parent comes with a lot of adjustments and changes – physical, emotional, and social. It can also cause you to experience a mix of emotions. Having to adjust to a new daily routine, not getting a good night’s sleep every night, and feeling overwhelmed are normal after you have a baby.

The baby blues vs. postpartum depression

When you become a new parent and have days where you’re feeling down, irritable, overwhelmed, or just up and down with your emotions, you may have what’s called the “baby blues”. Baby blues are when you feel down or gloomy after having a baby. These symptoms can last anywhere from a day to a couple of weeks. It’s very common – most new parents experience some form of baby blues.

But, when those feelings last longer than a couple of weeks and get progressively worse, they can develop into a type of depression called postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a form of depression that develops after the birth of a baby. It can affect how you’re able to bond with your baby and have a severe impact on your day-to-day functioning.

The symptoms of postpartum depression can include:

• Changes in appetite

• Trouble sleeping or fatigue

• Frequent mood changes

• Feeling like you aren’t bonding with your baby

• Loss of interest in your baby

• Low mood

• Tearfulness

Risk factors of postpartum depression

Postpartum depression can affect anyone who has given birth to a baby. Approximately 1 in 10 women will experience postpartum depression. Fathers can also experience postpartum depression; it affects 1 in 10 men.

If you have a history of depression, you may be more likely to develop postpartum depression. Make sure to talk to your doctor about your history of depression before the birth of the baby. They can help you manage those feelings when they come up and prevent them from becoming worse.

If you don’t have a history of depression but you’re worried about how you’re coping or managing after you’ve had a baby, talk to your doctor. They can help you find the resources to help, such as counselling.

After having a baby, there are things you can do to help you cope or manage better:

• Ask for help from family and friends

• Make time for physical activity – go for walks, etc. But make sure to get approval from your doctor beforehand

• Eat nutritious meals

• Maintain existing relationships with friends and family

• Try to get enough sleep; this can be hard with a newborn baby, so try sleeping while your baby sleeps – use that time to rest

• Set realistic expectations; being a new parent is hard – you'll have good days and you’ll have hard days. Remember to be kind to yourself – you're doing the best you can.

Supporting someone with postpartum depression 

If someone you know has a new baby and is showing signs of postpartum depression, here are some ways you can best support them:

• Check-in with them often

• Offer your help with things like cooking, cleaning, watching the baby, etc.

• Encourage them to seek support; check in with their doctor or talk to a counsellor

• Reassure them that if they have postpartum depression, it’s normal and they’re not alone.

Taking care of yourself after you have a baby is so important. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family – have them look after the baby while you take a shower or a nap. If you’re struggling to manage or cope, talk to your doctor or reach out for help from a counsellor. Remember that you can’t do everything – you're only human. Be kind to yourself, take care of yourself as best you can, and enjoy this time as a new parent.

Information for this blog was provided by registered social worker, Sarah Mateshaytis. Learn more about our counsellors.