Postpartum Mental Health

Baby Blues vs. PPD

Baby blues affect up to 80% of new birthing parents. They peak around day 3 to 5 and resolve within 2 weeks. Postpartum depression is different: it persists, worsens, or begins after 2 weeks. PPD requires treatment, it does not resolve on its own.

Signs of Postpartum Depression

If You See These Signs

Partner Postpartum Depression

10% of birth partners develop postpartum depression. It often looks different: irritability, withdrawal, overworking, risk-taking rather than tearfulness. If you're not okay, say so. It's not weakness. It's information.

Postpartum Anxiety

PPA is as common as PPD and less well-known. Signs include constant worry that something will go wrong with the baby, inability to sleep even when exhausted, physical symptoms of anxiety, and racing thoughts. It responds well to the same treatments as PPD.