In the first few days after birth, you might feel sad, tired, or easily upset. This is called the Baby Blues and it’s normal. You may have crying spells, feel frustrated, or have trouble sleeping. It happens to most new mothers and usually goes away on its own within a few days or weeks. 

If these feelings last longer than two weeks, you should contact a health care provider. 

Some people feel depressed or anxious during pregnancy or after having a baby. This is called a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, or PMAD. We don’t know exactly what causes PMADs, but they are common. About 1 in 5 people who give birth may experience them. Parenting partners can feel this way too. 

If you have a PMAD, you might: 

• Feel sad, lonely, or hopeless 
• Feel overwhelmed or have trouble concentrating  
• Feel restless, angry, or easily upset  
• Cry more than usual  
• Have trouble sleeping, even when tired  
• Feel guilty or ashamed 
• Worry a lot and have a hard time stopping 
• Feel exhausted but unable to sleep 
• Lose interest in things you used to enjoy 
• Eat or sleep more or less than usual  
• Have thoughts of harming yourself or others 

If you have any of these symptoms for two weeks or more, talk to your healthcare provider. PMAS is a medical condition that needs care and support.  

If you feel like harming yourself or your baby get help right away: 

• Contact 911 
• Visit your local hospital 
• Call/text 9-8-8 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline 

CK Public Health currently offers a One Day at A Time perinatal mental health group for birthing parents, up to one year postpartum, who are experiencing mental health challenges. It involves weekly meetings in a closed support group facilitated by Public Health Nurses. 

It can be hard to see your partner go through big changes after having a baby. You can help by: 

• Listening to how they feel without judging them 
• Caring for the baby so they can rest 
• Helping them get support from a doctor or counselor if they need it