Is postpartum depression the same as baby blues?
Although they share many similar symptoms, baby blues are more common and less severe than postpartum depression. Postpartum depression may develop within days to a year after the baby’s birth, and it occurs in around one in ten new mothers. Its symptoms include tiredness, hopelessness, changes in appetite, confusion, and lack of interest in the baby. Postpartum depression is thought to be caused by changes in hormones and has a genetic link. On the other hand, baby blues develops three to four days after the birth of the baby and occurs in around seven in ten new mothers. It involves crying without reason, irritability restlessness and anxiety. It is important not to confuse either of these with the mother not loving her new baby, as this is rarely the case.
