Baby Blues or Something More: What to Know About Postpartum Depression
May 15, 2026
Almost every parent experiences intense emotions when their child is born. But when these emotions persist, making it difficult for a woman to function and care for her baby, then it may be postpartum depression or PPD.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 1 in 8 women develops PPD after giving birth. While the exact cause isn’t known, women experience an influx of hormones, producing nearly 10 to 100 times more estrogen and progesterone during and after pregnancy than they normally would.
May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, and a time to reflect on this important issue. Sometimes when a new mom says she’s fine, that doesn’t mean she is. Many women are navigating exhaustion and overwhelm without any assistance. They feel like they should be able to handle everything, and so they hesitate to ask for help.
If you or someone you love may be experiencing postpartum depression, this is what you need to know.
Baby Blues or PPD?
Feelings of sadness are a normal part of having a child. In fact, up to 4 in 5 women experience the baby blues. Symptoms can include mood swings, bouts of crying, feeling irritated, trouble concentrating, and changes to your appetite and sleep. But if these symptoms persist past two weeks, then it may be postpartum depression.
“With baby blues, you’ll have more emotional ups and downs,” says Natalie Feldman, a psychiatrist at Mass General Brigham. “PPD involves really persistent low mood and makes daily tasks difficult.”
The early signs of postpartum depression can be feeling sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed – all of the time. A close partner or friend may notice that you’re having difficulty taking care of yourself or the baby. Other signs include fatigue, trouble eating or sleeping, withdrawing from family and friends, and having little to no interest in the baby.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Postpartum depression is common, and there are successful treatment options.
If you’re not sure where to start, you can search for a provider through Postpartum Support International.
Treatment for PPD
Postpartum depression treatment may include medications, such as antidepressants, and individual or group counseling. “Experiencing emotional complications after having a baby doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent,” says Feldman. “And seeking help when you need it is the best way to care for your baby and your family.” The right treatment plan can help you feel like yourself again, so that you can show up for both yourself and your growing family.
Psychosocial support, meaning help from family and friends, is another equally important part of treatment. The lack of support systems in place for new parents can act as a contributor to postpartum depression. Factors such as inadequate parental leave and a lack of accessible mental healthcare give the message to new moms that their mental health is an afterthought.
“We see in movies that we’re supposed to be joyful and natural, and it’s supposed to just come so easily,” says Marianna Strongin, a clinical psychologist at Strong In Therapy. “But when the reality doesn’t match that narrative, it makes you feel more like a failure.” That can make it even harder for women to speak up.
How to Offer Real Support
Family members and loved ones can help new moms by offering to do household chores or helping with the baby, giving moms a chance to get some much-needed rest and time for self-care.
Support is often most effective when it’s easy to accept. That means instead of making open-ended statements, such as “Let me know if you need anything,” offer direct solutions. This could sound like, “Could I watch the baby for a bit, to give you some time for whatever you need right now?” Dropping off meals and picking up around the house are other great ways to offer direct help.
Practical support might also involve sharing with your partner what you need the most help with each day, such as making time for a shower. It doesn’t need to be complicated. Feeling supported often means knowing there are people in your corner, ready to help you if you need them.
- If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 911, or call or text 988. You may also go to 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide and Crisis Hotline.
- For postpartum support, you can also reach the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline and call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS or 1-833-TLC-MAMA.
- Postpartum Support International is another dedicated helpline, with resources and local support groups.
With Insureyouknow.org, expectant and new parents can keep all of their medical records – and the new baby’s records – in an organized place, making it an invaluable resource for growing families.