Baby Blues or Something More? Recognising Postpartum Depression
Discover the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression. Learn symptoms, when to seek help, and how therapy can support your postpartum mental health journey.
Becoming a parent is one of life’s most transformative experiences. It can bring deep love, joy, and meaning—but also exhaustion, overwhelm, and emotional shifts that may feel confusing or unexpected. As a Perinatal Psychologist and Trauma Therapist, I’ve supported many individuals through this critical stage, helping them understand what they’re feeling and why it matters.
Two common emotional responses in the early postpartum period are the baby blues and postpartum depression (PPD). While they can feel similar at first, they differ in duration, intensity, and the kind of support needed.
What Are the Baby Blues?
The baby blues are a normal and temporary emotional experience that affects up to 80% of new parents after birth. They typically appear within a few days postpartum and are often linked to a rapid drop in hormones, sleep deprivation, and the emotional adjustment to caring for a newborn.
Common Signs of the Baby Blues:
Mood swings
Tearfulness without clear reason
Mild anxiety or irritability
Feeling overwhelmed but still able to function
Trouble sleeping even when exhausted
These feelings usually resolve within one to two weeks and often don’t require professional intervention. With rest, reassurance, and support, most people begin to feel more balanced as their hormone levels stabilise.
What Is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a more serious and longer-lasting mental health condition that can significantly impact emotional well-being, relationships, and day-to-day life. Unlike the baby blues, which are temporary, PPD persists beyond the early weeks and often intensifies over time if left untreated.
Common Symptoms of Postpartum Depression:
Deep sadness, hopelessness, or emotional numbness
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Loss of interest in things you previously enjoyed
Ongoing fatigue, even with rest
Feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Intrusive thoughts or fears, including fears of harm (to yourself or your baby)
PPD doesn’t go away on its own. It’s not a sign of weakness or failure—it’s a medical condition that deserves care and support. Left untreated, postpartum depression can impact both you and your baby’s development and well-being.
When to Seek Help
It’s time to seek professional support if:
Emotional distress continues beyond two weeks postpartum
Your symptoms are worsening or interfering with daily functioning
You feel disconnected from your baby or unable to bond
You’re experiencing thoughts of self-harm or harm to your baby (please seek immediate medical attention)
There is no shame in asking for help. Early intervention can make a profound difference in your ability to heal, connect, and thrive as a parent.
How I Support Parents Through Postpartum Depression
I’m one of a small group of psychologists in Australia specially trained by the Centre for Perinatal Psychology in supporting the mental health of individuals during the perinatal period. I also hold advanced training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy—a powerful, evidence-based treatment for trauma, including birth trauma, fertility challenges, and perinatal loss.
My approach is:
Attuned and individualised, not one-size-fits-all
Trauma-informed, helping you safely explore difficult experiences
Rooted in compassion, where you’re not just seen as a patient—but as a whole person
Whether you're dealing with anxiety, emotional disconnection, or overwhelming sadness, therapy can help you gain clarity, process your experience, and move forward in a way that feels grounded and sustainable.
The Role of Perinatal EMDR Therapy in Healing
For those carrying trauma from pregnancy, birth, or early parenting, EMDR can be especially effective. It helps reduce distress by supporting the brain in reprocessing difficult memories and emotions. Perinatal EMDR is gentle, focused, and tailored to meet the unique challenges of the parenting journey.
A Safe, Inclusive Space for All Parents
I strive to offer a therapeutic environment that is:
Welcoming and inclusive of all identities and experiences
Neurodiversity-affirming, acknowledging and honouring different ways of being and processing
Free from judgment, with space for your full story
Whether you are a birthing parent, a partner, or navigating an alternative path to parenthood, you deserve support that meets you where you are.
You’re Not Alone—Support Is Available
If you’re feeling emotionally overwhelmed after childbirth, you are not alone, and what you’re experiencing is valid. Knowing the difference between the baby blues and postpartum depression is the first step. Healing is absolutely possible—with the right support, you can feel like yourself again.
👉 If you’re unsure whether what you're feeling is normal, or if you need someone to talk to, I invite you to reach out. Your mental health matters, and help is available.