Motherhood is supposed to be the happiest time of your life… right?

So why do you feel like a stranger in your own body?

✔ You love your baby, but you don’t feel like yourself anymore.

✔ You expected exhaustion, but this feels deeper—like a weight you can’t shake.

✔ Your emotions don’t make sense. Some days, you’re fine. Other days, you feel empty, anxious, or irritable.

✔ Everyone tells you it’s “just hormones,” but what if it’s something more?

💡 You’re not alone. While most new moms experience baby blues, about 1 in 7 develop postpartum depression (PPD) (ACOG).

But the problem is PPD doesn’t always look the way people expect.

It’s not always crying in bed all day. Sometimes, it’s feeling completely numb. Sometimes, it’s rage. Sometimes, it’s wanting to disappear.

How do you know if what you’re feeling is temporary or something more?

Both PPD and baby blues are caused by hormonal shifts after birth, but they differ in duration, intensity, and impact on daily life.

Baby Blues (Common & Temporary)

• • Affects up to 80% of new moms
  • Starts within the first few days postpartum
  • Peaks around days 4-5 (right when your milk comes in!)
  • Resolves within two weeks without medical treatment

What baby blues feel like:

• • You cry easily but still enjoy bonding moments with your baby.
  • You feel emotionally fragile, but it comes and goes.
  • You’re overwhelmed but can still manage daily life.

Baby blues are like an emotional reset—your body adjusting to a new hormonal state. It’s temporary and doesn’t disrupt your ability to function.

Postpartum Depression (PPD) – More Severe & Lasting

• • Affects 1 in 7 moms
  • Can start anytime within the first year postpartum (not just immediately after birth)
  • Symptoms last longer than two weeks
  • Can interfere with bonding, relationships, and daily life

What PPD feels like

• • You feel persistently sad, empty, or numb.
  • You don’t feel connected to your baby—or even yourself.
  • Small things make you irrationally angry or irritated.
  • You feel exhausted all the time, even when you sleep.
  • You feel hopeless, trapped, or like you’re “not cut out” for motherhood.
  • You have dark thoughts—like wanting to disappear, run away, or feeling like your family would be “better off” without you.

PPD is not just sadness—it’s a deep, persistent emotional shift that doesn’t just go away.

💡 The biggest difference? Baby blues improve on their own. PPD does not. If symptoms persist past two weeks or get worse instead of better, it’s time to seek help.

What You Can Do Right Now

1. 1. Check your timeline – If you’re still feeling emotionally off two weeks after birth, pay attention.
   2. Track your symptoms – Write down when you feel down, how long it lasts, and if certain things trigger it.
   3. Tell someone you trust – A partner, friend, doctor, or therapist—saying it out loud is the first step.
   4. Prioritize small self-care moments – Even 10 minutes of fresh air, movement, or quiet time can make a difference.
   5. Ask for professional support if needed – If your emotions interfere with daily life, bonding, or self-care, it’s time to talk to a doctor.

      💡 Most importantly: You are not alone. Postpartum mood changes are common, and help is available.

📌 If symptoms last longer than two weeks → Baby blues should improve, but PPD sticks around.

📌 If you feel disconnected from your baby → PPD can interfere with bonding.

📌 If intrusive thoughts become overwhelming → Racing thoughts, panic attacks, or disturbing thoughts need attention.

🚨 If you ever feel like you might harm yourself or your baby, seek immediate help. Call a doctor, therapist, or crisis line—there is always help available.

Motherhood is a transformation—physically, emotionally, and hormonally. Some days are magical, and others are deeply challenging. Both are normal.

If you’re struggling with mood swings, exhaustion, or feeling unlike yourself, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

✔ Personalized postpartum hormone evaluations → Find out if hormonal imbalances are playing a role in your emotions.

✔ Guidance from specialists → No pressure, no judgment—just real support.

✔ Custom treatment options → From lifestyle changes to medical solutions, we’ll help you find what works for you.

💙 If you need support, we’re here. Let’s talk. Click here to connect.