In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about baby blues and post-partum depression. Although they are often confused, they are two different phenomena affecting new mothers. We spoke to Amandine Scheffer, a midwife in the canton of Vaud.
What is baby blues?
“Young mothers are sometimes found crying in their bedrooms. Most of the time, there’s no precise cause. Even if they’re fine, their baby is fine and the birth went well. It’s often a case of too much going down the drain.”
– Amandine Scheffer
The baby blues affect the majority of mothers. It’s normal and nothing to worry about, even if it’s not an easy time to go through. Generally, baby blues last two to three days. In some situations, it can last a little longer. This is particularly the case when breastfeeding is a little difficult to start and/or when tiredness accumulates.
Don’t forget that after 9 months of pregnancy, your body is taking on all the physical, hormonal and psychological changes associated with giving birth! What’s more, you don’t really have time to rest, as you have to look after baby. It’s normal to feel a little lost.
How to manage baby blues
Baby blues usually subside spontaneously after a few days. This is because your hormones gently rebalance themselves and the symptoms disappear. In the meantime, acupuncture can help. Certain essential oils can also be used to calm mum’s emotions a little. All in all, there’s nothing to worry about.
If you think you’re suffering from baby blues, don’t hesitate to talk about it with your midwife or the carers who are monitoring your pregnancy. The medical profession is well aware of this phenomenon. If you don’t feel any better after two weeks, you may be suffering from post-partum depression, as explained below.
💜 Our Advice
There are a number of associations in Switzerland that aim to support new mothers. This is particularly true of SuperMamans.ch, which offers a ‘pampering’ service. MamansABichonner are offered a meal by a MamanCadeau. This helps to create and strengthen the social links around them.
What is post-partum depression?
Also known as post-natal depression, this is a type of depression in its own right. The symptoms last longer than baby blues. In fact, they can last several months and intensify. As a mum, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty being alone with your baby
- Lack of pleasure when looking after your child
- Lack of connection with your baby
- Massive weight loss
- Black thoughts
- Constant exhaustion and insomnia
- Frequent and unexplained crying
Steps to take when post-partum depression is suspected
It’s not easy to take the first steps when you think you’re suffering from post-partum depression. It’s easy to feel ashamed, even though it’s a normal phenomenon that affects one woman in five!
Amandine Scheffer explains that, as a midwife, it’s important to inform mothers about this phenomenon. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should not hesitate to contact the midwife who attended her during her pregnancy.
Curing post-partum depression
Post-partum depression is a psychological pathology. Like all illnesses, it requires treatment. Follow-up with a child psychologist or psychiatrist can help the mother to recover gently. In the most advanced cases, therapy can be carried out with the baby. This will help mother and baby to establish a bond.
Baby blues and post-partum depression: in brief
Baby blues, which is fairly common, occurs after childbirth as a result of a drop in hormones. Mothers have a heightened emotional sensitivity. This is a normal physiological phenomenon.
Post-partum depression, on the other hand, is a form of depression that affects one woman in 5. It can be influenced by a number of factors, including a feeling of being lost or a lack of support from loved ones.
Can a man suffer from post-partum depression?
Yes, it’s quite possible! There’s a new rhythm to find, it’s an upheaval that comes with its share of emotions. There can be many causes of post-partum depression in fathers:
- A difficult birth
- Feeling like a ‘spectator’ at the moment, with no real power to act
- Emotional sensitivities that depend on the individual
In the event of a difficult birth, there are now consultations designed to enable the couple to discuss the birth again (this is particularly the case at the CHUV). The aim of this consultation is to:
- Monitor the psychological state of parents
- Give parents the opportunity to ask questions
- Help parents to come to terms with what has happened
