Baby Blues vs.

Post-Partum Depression and Post-Partum Psychosis

Baby Blues- feelings of sadness and emotional surges that take place a few days
after giving birth, and can last for 1-2 weeks.
When and why does it happen? Anytime within the first few days of childbirth it is
believed to be due to hormonal shifts that happen with pregnancy and delivery. With
pregnancy there is an increased level of estrogen and progesterone and it drops
dramatically after delivery which can cause the mood shifts. As these hormones go back
to normal, these symptoms should subside. Lifestyle changes, physical changes, and
personal/emotional changes all play a factor as well.
What can we do as nurses? Ensure the moms get lots of rest. Also make sure the
mom gets time to eat nutritious foods. We can also educate our patients. They need to
be educated on ensuring they get the proper rest, nutrition and hygiene. Teach them
that it is okay to have someone watch the baby as they bathe, cook a meal, take a nap,
or even run errands for them. Make sure to listen to your patients when they need to
talk and also encourage them to talk to people close to them.

Post-Partum Depression- A true clinical depression triggered by childbirth

When and why does it happen? Usually two to three weeks after giving birth, but
can start any time within the first few days to the first few months. Most postpartum
depression is thought to be related to fluctuating hormone levels that affect mood and
energy. Levels of estrogen and progesterone that increased during pregnancy drop
suddenly after delivery. In some cases a woman's thyroid hormone may decrease, too.
Also women who have a history of depression are more susceptible to this as well. The
rapid hormone shifts affect the brains chemistry that can lead to low moods, sadness
and lingering depression.
What can we do as nurses? Talk with our new mothers. Let them know that this is a
medical condition that can be treated, and that it is not their fault for feeling this way.
These mothers feel very guilty and often suppress their feelings because they think it
makes them a bad person. Assess them for signs or symptoms showing depression or
suicide and encourage them to speak up or talk with others. Encourage the mothers to
have proper rest, nutrition, and therapy. Some mothers need pharmacological therapy
and or talk therapy.

Post-Partum Psychosis- mental illness with the sudden onset of psychotic

symptoms following childbirth
When and why does it happen? Within the first month after delivery. Women who
have other psychiatric illnesses, such as bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder,
may be at greater risk of developing postpartum psychosis as well as miscarriages,
stillborn, increasing maternal age, and difficult labors.
What can we do as nurses? Postpartum psychosis requires immediate medical
attention and, often, a brief hospitalization, so educate the mother and family members.
Assess mother with her infant during
the initial hospitalization and at check-ups to see how they react with their infant.

References
Dennis, C. (2005, February 1). Psychosocial and psychological interventions for prevention of
postnatal depression: Systematic review. Retrieved September 22, 2015.
Engqvist, I. (2003). Postpartum psychosis- Nurse's View and care through a Disabling Illness.
Retrieved September 22, 2015.
Lyness, A. (2013, July 1). Postpartum Depression. Retrieved September 22, 2015, from
http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/ppd.html#