Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression

Sarah recalls crying uncontrollably for no apparent reason one day after the birth of her son almost five years ago. "I just felt completely overwhelmed and scared, because suddenly the life of this little being was all my responsibility. I had to feed him, make sure he got enough food, make sure that he didn't suffocate at night or swallow something and choke, or even drop from my hands ... I felt extremely restricted, imprisoned by his feeding schedule." Looking back, Sarah believes she suffered from the baby blues, a short-lived but often distressing condition that affects between 50 and 75 percent of all new mothers within the week after the birth of their baby.

According to Depression after Delivery, a national Postpartum Depression support organization, baby blues are a biological response to a woman's rapidly changing hormone levels after pregnancy. Yet sometimes the blues turn into postpartum depression. Learn the difference and where to find support if you're struggling with a postpartum mood disorder.