Baby Blues

Women can feel low in mood and mildly depressed at a time when they “should” be feeling happy. Baby blues is believed to occur due to the huge chemical and hormonal changes that occur within the body after childbirth.

Symptoms can include:

• Feeling overly emotional and crying for no obvious reason.

• Feeling irritable.

• Feeling anxious and panicky.

• Feeling low and sad.

Baby blues usually occur within the first week after childbirth (usually around days 3-5 post-delivery) and should only last for a few days.

What if baby blues does not disappear?

This is when you may be wondering if you have signs of postnatal depression/postnatal anxiety.

Postnatal depression and/or postnatal anxiety can occur at any point within the first year after childbirth. Symptoms can occur suddenly or have a slow onset.

How can you get help?

SPEAK to us. Talk to your Health Visitor, call us on 030 0304 5555. We can offer you advice and support.

How can I help myself?

• Self help

• Talk to your friends and family

• Exercise regularly to help boost your endorphins (happy hormones)

• Make time to do something for yourself, do something you enjoy

• Try and eat a healthy balanced diet and try to sleep well.