Mental Health & Wellness Support

What are the "baby blues”?

Many new mothers experience something called the “baby blues." This often starts two to three days after childbirth and ends about two weeks later.

If you have “baby blues” you may:

• Cry or weep, and not be sure why
• Sleep poorly even when the baby is asleep
• Have mood changes
• Feel sad, impatient, or vulnerable
• Find it hard to concentrate

If you're feeling this way, Philly Loves Families encourages you to:

• Ask for and accept help from family and friends
• Try to sleep whenever the baby sleeps
• Eat well and avoid alcohol and drugs
• Talk to other moms about their experience

If the "baby blues" last longer than two weeks, talk to a provider. You may be experiencing postpartum depression.

What is postpartum depression (PPD)?

Postpartum depression may initially be mistaken for “baby blues," but PPD symptoms tend to start a little later, ranging from about two weeks after the baby’s birth through the baby’s first year of life.

PPD is less common than the “baby blues.” About 10-20 percent of new mothers will experience symptoms of postpartum depression. If you have PPD you may:

• Feel depressed, overwhelmed, and very tired
• Have severe mood swings
• Have trouble sleeping or sleep too much
• Lose your appetite, or eat much more than usual
• Feel intensely grouchy and angry
• Have anxiety or panic attacks
• Feel shame, guilt, or inadequate
• Find it hard to concentrate
• Avoid family and friends

If you're a mother with PPD you might feel especially upset if:

• It is hard for you to bond with your baby
• You fear that you’re not a good mother
• You have thoughts of harming your baby
• You can't stop thinking about death or suicide

What to do if you feel you're dealing with PPD

Try to remember that the feelings you may struggle with are a part of PPD. This is no one's fault. You are not a "bad" mom and you haven't done anything wrong.

Talk to someone, such as a partner, family member, a friend or someone else you trust and feel safe with.

Check in with your health care provider, such as your primary care provider, obstetrician/midwife, or your baby’s provider.

Reach out to Philly Families CAN online or by calling (215) 685-4701. A Philly Families CAN coordinator can connect you to a home visiting program that offers in-home therapy and other supports (for topics like sleep, feeding you baby, and more). Home visiting—including in-home therapy through any of the programs—is entirely free and voluntary.

Learn more about the symptoms and risk factors for postpartum depression.

Tips for seeking and accepting help

• Let your partner, family, friends, and/or medical provider know that you need their help.
• Visit PhillyFamiliesCAN.com or call (215) 685-4701 to get connected with a support professional who can come to your home to support you and your family. This service is free and completely voluntary. When you fill out the form or call, you will be connected to a Philly Families CAN coordinator who will listen to what you need and offer options for support.

If you think of hurting yourself or your baby, immediately tell your partner, family members, a friend, or someone you trust. Have them take over the care for your baby and help you to get to an emergency room immediately or call 911 to get emergency medical services.

You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to speak to a person who can provide support.

Unite, Inc.

UNITE is a Philadelphia area organization that provides support following the loss of a baby, including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth and infant death.

UNITE connects parents to peer-to-peer grief support groups.

Still Standing Magazine

Read stories from around the world by writers who have survived the aftermath of loss and grief.

Still Standing Magazine is the world’s leading online voice in breaking the silence on child loss — from conception to adulthood, and infertility.