At my daughter’s two month checkup, I was handed a mental health questionnaire: The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Inventory. I knew this would pop up at her appointment and I had told myself “Just be honest.” Still, while filling it out, I found myself wanting to shelter some of those honest answers. Is it bad to say I haven’t been enjoying things as much when I have this cute baby in front of me? Do I want to admit that I’ve been truly overwhelmed with this change?
I don’t just think that many women have similar feelings when filling out these surveys, I know that they do. While up to 80% of women have experienced some kind of mood disturbance after having a baby (MGH Center, 2008), the chances of them admitting to these issues are significantly lower. Nearly 50% of diagnoses are missed because women don’t believe their symptoms are severe enough to warrant help (Beck, 2001). Similarly, women who fill out a survey rather than talking face-to-face with someone were more likely to admit they were struggling, 14% to 12% respectively (Saldanha et al., 2023). When we don’t have to say it out loud, we’re more ready to admit having depressive symptoms.
These mood disturbances exist on a spectrum from what’s considered typical “baby blues” to a severe case of postpartum depression. We’ll explore postpartum depression, its symptoms and treatments, as well as local resources you can utilize if you experience it. When we understand what postpartum depression is, we are more equipped to cope with it.
Baby Blues
Up to 85% of women can experience baby blues, characterized by changes in mood, unexpected episodes of crying, anxiety or irritability. Unlike postpartum depression, these symptoms do not significantly impair functional ability, meaning you can still get through your day to day without much interruption from your mental health. Baby blues are usually experienced in the first few weeks of postpartum and are distinguishable from a depressive episode.
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
Postpartum depression is experienced by 10-15% of women, most commonly in the first six months of postpartum, but can be experienced anytime in that first year after delivery.
Symptoms must persist for at least one week and can include:
- Depressed or sad mood
- Tearfulness (or excessive crying)
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Feelings of guilt
- Feelings of worthlessness or incompetence
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbance
- Changes in appetite
- Poor concentration
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
You may be thinking, “I’m not sleeping more than a few hours at a time with a newborn. Of course I’m going to have some of these symptoms.” The key to diagnosis is that these symptoms impact your regular life functioning. Experiencing a range of emotions is normal, but if you’re no longer able to take care of yourself or if you struggle to do those normal parts of your daily routine, that’s when it may be time to call your doctor.
Treatments
There are evidence-based treatments for PPD, including various therapies and medications. However, the most effective treatment is the one that makes you feel better. In a world of prescribed methods, postpartum is about finding what works best for you and your family. Sometimes a regimented treatment can feel overwhelming and just another “to do” in an already hectic time. Here are some self-care tips to try to help you get through those tough days:
| Physical Health | Emotional Health | Social Health |
| Rest (when you can)HydrateGently move your body (stretching/walking)Care for your healing body (carefully attend to your wounds or stitches from delivery) | JournalPractice deep breathing exercisesDo something you loveDo something relaxing (take a bath, read, walk) | Invite a friend overCall a family memberFind a local mom’s group online and coordinate a play dateSet boundaries if visitors feel too frequent |
Resources in Milwaukee:
For those who might not know what that one helpful thing might be, here are just a few resources to check out.
- Mom’s Mental Health Initiative: a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping moms navigate perinatal mood and anxiety disorders by sharing information, connecting them to resources and providing peer-driven support. Their website is: Moms Mental Health Initiative
- National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call anytime for someone to talk when you’re facing a mental health crisis: 1-833-943-5746
- Postpartum Support International: an organization which aims to promote awareness, prevention and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing in every country worldwide. Their website is: Wisconsin Chapter of Postpartum Support International
- The Periscope Project: a free resource for health care providers caring for pregnant and postpartum women in Wisconsin who are struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Their website is: The Periscope Project
- Women’s Care Center: As always, we are here to help you navigate life before, during and long after your pregnancy. Speak with one of our counselors or join a class to build community and support in your life. Our website is: Womens Care Center Milwaukee
Whether it’s your first child or not, all children are different and all experiences of postpartum are different too. Mental health isn’t just something you have or don’t have. It’s part of how you care for yourself, it’s something you exercise, and it evolves with time. Caring for yourself today might look different in a year, because your needs may be different. There are safeguards you can put in place early to make your time a little easier in that first year after delivery, but nothing can truly prepare you for all that comes with bringing new life into the world. Have grace for yourself in this time and know that you aren’t alone.
Want to share your postpartum story? Let me know! Email [email protected] for insights, questions, or a space to process your postpartum journey.
References
Beck CT, Gable RK. Comparative analysis of the performance of the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale with two other depression instruments. Nurs Res. 2001 Jul-Aug;50(4):242-50. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11480533/
International Society of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (ISIPT). Overview of IPT; 2025. Available from: https://interpersonalpsychotherapy.org/ipt-basics/overview-of-ipt/
MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health. Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders. 2008 Feb. Reproductive Psychiatry Resource & Information Center. Available from: https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/postpartum-psychiatric-disorders-2
Saldanha IJ, Adam GP, Kanaan G, et al. Postpartum Care up to 1 Year After Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2023 Jun. (Comparative Effectiveness Review, No. 261.) 1, Introduction. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK592630/
