Feeling off since having a baby? You’re not alone—and it could be more than “just the baby blues.”
An estimated 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression (PPD) after giving birth, making it the most common complication of childbirth (CDC). But too often, it’s misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or missed entirely—especially by moms who feel like they “should” be happy.
This blog breaks down what PPD really looks like, when to get help, and how to start feeling like yourself again—with insight from experts at New Mom School and Keira Merkovsky, LCSW of Evolving Mothers.
Is It Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression?
It’s normal to feel emotional in the early days after birth. Up to 80% of new moms experience what’s known as the baby blues—a short-lived dip in mood caused by hormone shifts, sleep deprivation, and the sheer intensity of new motherhood (ACOG).
But when sadness doesn’t fade—or gets heavier—something deeper may be going on.
Baby Blues:
- Begins within the first few days after delivery
- Peaks around day 4–5
- Resolves within 2–3 weeks
- Symptoms: mood swings, tearfulness, irritability, overwhelm
Postpartum Depression:
- Can begin anytime in the first year after giving birth
- Symptoms are more intense and persist beyond the 2-3 weeks of baby blues
- Often interfere with daily functioning or bonding with your baby
- Common signs:
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness — “Did I make a mistake by having a baby?”
- Guilt or shame about your role as a mom — “I feel like I’m not doing this right. She deserves the best, and I’m not sure I’m enough.”
- Trouble sleeping (even when the baby sleeps) — “I can’t get my mind to quiet down. It starts worrying about every little thing as soon as I lay down.”
- Fatigue, appetite changes, or trouble concentrating — “Even getting out of bed feels too hard. It’s all too much.”
- Thoughts of harm or feeling like your family would be better off without you — “I wish I could disappear for a while” or “I just don’t feel like myself anymore”—you’re not alone, and you deserve support.
What Causes Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) doesn’t have a single cause. Instead, it arises from a combination of biological, emotional, and environmental factors, including:
- Hormonal fluctuations after birth
- Physical and emotional exhaustion
- A history of depression or anxiety
- Birth trauma or NICU stays
- Lack of sleep, support, or connection
It affects moms from all walks of life—even those who “seem like they have it all together.” PPD is a medical condition, not a character flaw.
It may help to think of difficult emotions as signals. Just like physical pain prompts us to seek medical attention, emotional pain is our brain’s way of telling us something needs care. The symptoms of PPD are clues—pointing us toward a need for rest, connection, and professional support.
Keira’s Story: A Therapist Who Thought She Could Handle It Alone
Even professionals aren’t immune to postpartum depression—and that’s exactly why we need each other.
“When I was in the thick of postpartum depression, I kept telling myself, I should be able to handle this on my own. As a therapist, I knew the signs, and I thought I had the tools to manage it. But my resistance to asking for help only pushed me deeper into the darkness.
It wasn’t until my husband and best friend stepped in—gently insisting I get help and supporting me through it—that I finally felt relief. That moment of bringing my pain into the light was the start of my healing. I had thought I could power through alone. But I realized—we’re not meant to.”
When Does Postpartum Depression Start—and How Long Does It Last?
While PPD often starts within the first 6 weeks postpartum, it can appear anytime in the first year after giving birth. (NIH).
At the beginning, it can be difficult to tell if the symptoms are simply part of the postpartum recovery process or if they are indicative of something more. Remember, if you continue to feel “off” or “just not yourself” for more than 2-3 weeks, it’s important to talk to someone.
If it feels overwhelming or intimidating to reach out to a therapist or your doctor, consider contacting Postpartum Support International. They have a free helpline and can connect you to trained professionals who can help you figure out what resources would be best for you, depending on what you are experiencing.
Without support, symptoms can persist for months—or even longer. The good news? Treatment works. Most moms feel significantly better within 6–12 months of starting support (Mayo Clinic).
You and your baby deserve for you to be well. Help is available. You are not alone.
Does Treatment Always Mean Medication?
No. There are many effective treatment options—and they can be tailored to you.
- Therapy: Especially with a perinatal-trained provider, talk therapy is a powerful first step.
- Support groups: These can be online or in person and are typically free. They are led by licensed therapists and can be a good place to start.
- Peer support: Joining a group of moms who get it can reduce shame and isolation.
- Lifestyle strategies: Sleep, nutrition, light exercise, and support systems all play a role.
- Medication: For moderate to severe symptoms, antidepressants can be life-changing—and safe to take while breastfeeding (Postpartum Support International).
You don’t have to “hit rock bottom” to ask for help. And needing medication doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Taking care of your needs is a beautiful act of love toward yourself that benefits your whole family.
How Do I Talk to My Partner or Provider About This?
Start with something simple like:
- “I haven’t been feeling like myself lately.”
- “I think I need help getting through this.”
Over 50% of moms with postpartum depression go untreated—often because they’re unsure what’s normal or fear being judged [CDC]. Speaking up is brave—and it opens the door to real support.
Where Can I Get Help That Actually Helps?
- Postpartum Support International (PSI): 24/7 helpline at 1-800-944-4773 or text “HELP” to 800-944
- EvolvingMothers.com: Expert-led virtual support from Keira Merkovsky, LCSW
- New Mom School: In-person and online postpartum classes designed to support maternal mental health
- Your OB, midwife, or pediatrician: Many now screen for PPD as part of your routine care
You’re Not Broken. You’re Becoming.
You’re not a bad mom. You’re not weak. And you’re definitely not alone.
Postpartum depression is treatable—and you deserve to feel better. This season may feel heavy, but healing is possible. With the right support, you can reconnect with yourself, your baby, and your joy.
Want More Real Talk?
Get answers to questions about postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts, “mom rage,” and how to know when to get help:
👉 Read our companion blog: FAQs About Postpartum Mental Health
👉 Watch our IG Live with Alex Spitz (New Mom School founder) & Keira Merkovsky (Evolving Mothers founder).