Getting used to hormonal change after birth and learning how to care for a newborn can affect your mood.
You might feel down or low. You may have mood swings and be more tearful than usual. These mood swings are normal.
It is very common to have negative thoughts, even if you are very happy with your new baby.
After giving birth, most women will have the baby blues. It usually begins on day 3 after the birth.
Signs of the baby blues include feeling:
- tearful
- emotional
- irritable
- isolated
- vulnerable
- lonely
When to get help
The baby blues usually pass within 1 to 2 weeks.
Non-urgent advice: Contact your midwife, public health nurse (PHN) or GP if:
- the baby blues do not pass after 2 weeks
They can check if you have postnatal depression.
Postnatal depression
Postnatal depression is a common condition that some women experience after giving birth. Out of every 100 people who give birth, about 10 or 15 will get postnatal depression.
Symptoms can include extreme sadness and a sense of detachment from your baby.
Talk to your midwife, PHN or GP if you have any of these symptoms or are worried about anything.
You have a higher chance of experiencing postnatal depression if you:
- have a history of depression
- have a family history of depression, or
- had depression in pregnancy before
Postnatal depression symptoms and causes
Getting help
Most of the emotional changes after childbirth will improve once your hormone levels return to their normal pre-pregnancy levels. You will feel like yourself again.
Never be afraid to get help if you need it. Getting support from your partner (if you have one), family and friends can really help.
If you are more unwell, you may need help from your GP, PHN or midwife.
For a small number of people with severe postnatal depression, care and treatment from a mental health service is needed. GPs, midwives and PHNs will help you get the care you need.
By getting help you are doing what is best for you and your baby.
Perinatal mental health services
Perinatal mental health services can be accessed through maternity units and hospitals. They provide specialist support to women experiencing mental health problems in pregnancy.
Your GP, midwife, doctor, PHN or psychiatrist can refer you to the service.