Postpartum Tears

No Pink Cloud, Just the Baby Blues

Are you a new mother feeling overwhelmed, emotional, and things aren’t going as expected? Don’t worry, these are the well-known, or infamous, postpartum tears, also called the baby blues. It’s completely normal, and about 50 to 70% of new mothers experience it at some point. Fortunately, it will pass (and usually quite quickly). Here, we explain what it is and what you can do about it. And if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us, even if you’ve just given birth!

Crying Over Everything, or Nothing

That pink cloud you might have dreamed of beforehand isn’t quite as rosy and sweet as expected. Don’t feel guilty about it; it’s part of the process. Most new mothers experience these postpartum tears. Somewhere between 3 to 5 days after giving birth, you might suddenly become very emotional. You cry over everything, or nothing at all. Or you might suddenly feel angry or down. That’s normal too. Sudden mood swings and crying spells are all part of it. This happens because your hormones are completely out of balance, your body is still recovering from everything, you’re undoubtedly very tired, and you have a baby to care for that you’re just getting to know. In short, everything is suddenly different, and it can simply be overwhelming.

A Few Hours or Up to Two Weeks

Not everyone experiences postpartum tears, but if you do, know that it’s completely normal and not a bad thing. It will pass on its own. For some, it might last only a few hours, for others a few days, or up to a week or two at most. So, rest assured that after a few days, you’ll start to feel better—still tired but less ‘wobbly’ and less emotional.

How to Get Through Postpartum Tears

Dealing with those infamous baby blues? Just let it happen and allow yourself to be pampered. You deserve it! Stay in bed a bit longer, enjoy that extra cup of tea, and let yourself be cared for. By resting and, if you want, talking about your feelings, you’ll get through this period of postpartum tears.

Feeling Anxious

Are you not only feeling down but also anxious? That can happen too. Suddenly, the responsibility of caring for a little one feels overwhelming. Or you might feel guilty because your baby keeps crying, breastfeeding isn’t going well, or you simply have no idea what to do. Since you’ve just been through a physically demanding time and your hormones are rapidly changing again, all the changes can feel much more intense. It’s no wonder that this can make you anxious. But again, it’s good to talk about it. Discuss it with your partner, midwife, friends, your mother, or other women who have just given birth and likely experienced this too. You’ll see that you’re not alone with your insecurities and fears, and others can offer helpful tips. Or they can take the baby for a bit so you can get some rest.

Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression?

Sometimes, postpartum tears last longer. In that case, it might not just be the baby blues but a postpartum depression. A postpartum depression often starts like postpartum tears, but it doesn’t go away on its own and the symptoms become more severe. Just know that for most people, postpartum tears do pass. So if you’re experiencing them, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve fallen into postpartum depression. But if after two weeks nothing has changed, you feel worse, and you sense that something more is going on than ‘just some postpartum tears,’ trust that feeling and consult your doctor or midwife. We’re here to help and can also refer you to other specialists.

Don’t Keep It to Yourself

Why some people’s postpartum tears go away on their own while others develop a depression isn’t clear. It’s usually a combination of factors. But if you notice that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to care for your baby or if you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, don’t keep it to yourself. Reach out to us or your doctor. We’re here for you and ready to help.

Your Midwife Is Here for You, Even Now After the Birth

Even after giving birth, you’re still welcome to see your midwife. Did you know that we’re still responsible for you until the eighth day after birth? So if you have any questions or concerns during that first week, you’re always welcome to reach out. And even after that, you can still call us. Our mental care doesn’t stop there. If you have any questions or concerns about motherhood, returning to work, coaching, or anything else, call us and make an appointment. We’re here for you.