Duration of baby blues

Many mothers experience some slight depression right after the birth of her baby. The reasons for this could be emotional or physical. New mothers may feel overwhelmed about caring for their baby on their own. Moreover, the demands of the new baby, feeding difficulties, newborn jaundice and other conditions add to stress and tension. In addition to this, childbirth also takes a toll on the mother’s body. She tends to feel tired and irritated.

This is a difficult phase for the mother as she may experience feelings of anger, sadness, irritability, guilt. Many mothers feel anxious at the thought that motherhood will always be like this. However, this is just a passing phase. The condition peaks around the fourth or fifth day after delivery and fades within two or three weeks. Most women feel depressed for a few minutes or hours every day.

As the hormone levels even out and the mother becomes more adept at looking after her baby, she will feel much better and begin to enjoy motherhood. Most new mothers can pull through this blue phase without any medication or special treatment. If the feelings of depression do not fade within two or three weeks, the woman should seek help since this could be indicative of post partum depression. Women with problems like financial difficulties, difficult childbirth, lack of family support, a sick baby are more prone to developing post partum depression.