Many women experience mild mood changes after having a baby. It is common to feel many different emotions. Over half of new mothers will have the ‘Baby Blues’. This usually starts 3 to 4 days after birth. You may have mood swings. You may burst into tears easily. You can feel irritable, low and anxious at times. You may also overreact to things. It usually stops when your baby is about 10 -14 days old. 

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Postnatal depression is the term used for depression that some women experience in the first year after having a baby. Symptoms of postnatal depression may start as baby blues and then get worse. The symptoms may take some time to develop. Postnatal depression may be most apparent when your baby is 4 to 6 months old. Postnatal depression can last for longer than three months. If not treated, it can last considerably longer. The earlier it is recognised, diagnosed and treated, the faster you will recover.

Postnatal depression occurs in 10% to 15% of women within the first year of giving birth.

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Signs of postnatal depression

 

Postnatal depression can have a broad range of symptoms. These can vary in how severe they are.

You may be feeling sad, anxious and alone. You may be feeling guilty, irritable and angry. You may be experiencing panic attacks. You may not enjoy being with people, even your baby.

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Other symptoms of postnatal depression include:

• loss of appetite

• poor concentration

• tiredness all the time

• problems sleeping

• being agitated

• crying easily

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Feelings and thoughts you might experience include:

• feeling inadequate

• feeling panicked

• feeling rejected by your baby

• worrying a lot about your baby

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Obsessive behaviour may be another sign of postnatal

depression and you may have overwhelming fears.​

Postnatal depression - signs and symptoms - HSE.ie