Just had a Baby and Feeling Blue?
“I just had a baby, and being a mother is not what I expected.”
“I feel so scared and so sad.”
“Shouldn’t I feel happy?”
“I just don’t feel like myself.”
You may have the Baby Blues or Post-partum Depression (depression after the baby is born).
Is it The Baby Blues?
Very Common. May go away on its own, but talking to a health care provider can help.
Some signs are:
- Crying
- Not being able to sleep
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Confusion or mental fog
- Mood swings
Is it Postpartum Depression?
Not as common. Goes away with help from your health care provider and a therapist. You can experience symptoms starting in your second trimester and lasting until a year after birth.
Some signs are:
- Having little interest in things you normally like to do
- Eating a lot more or a lot less than normal
- Feeling intensely sad most of the day, every day
- Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Feelings of shame, guilt or like a failure
- Thinking about hurting yourself or your baby
Is it Postpartum Anxiety?
Worry that takes over your life. Get help from your health care provider as soon as possible.
Some signs are:
- Uncontrolled worry
- Not being able to sleep when the baby does
- Feeling afraid that something will hurt the baby
- Feeling afraid that you might hurt the baby
- Feeling afraid to be alone with the baby
- Having very scary thoughts
- Chest pains
- Feeling dizzy
- Sweating or shaking
Is it Postpartum Psychosis?
Rare. Emergency–get help right away!
Some signs are:
- Hallucinations – seeing or hearing something no one else can
- Speech that does not make sense
- Delusions – extreme or untrue thoughts about yourself or baby
- Having thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby right now
You are not alone! There is help available for you and your baby.
Call for Help:
-
Postpartum Depression Hotline 2
- 24 hour hotline — +1 (800) 773-6667
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Any Baby Can -- Postpartum Support and Groups
- Parent Helpline — (512) 334-4444
- Main Phone — (512) 454-3743
-
Postpartum Support International
-
2-1-1 Texas - From your cell phone:
Find Help Online:
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Postpartum Support International
-
DSHS Pregnancy, Parenting and Depression Resource List
-
The National Women's Health Information Center
-
Parents Anonymous
-
Depression During and After Pregnancy
-
The Online PPD Support Group