Not Every Postpartum Tear Is the Same: Understanding the Difference Between Baby Blues and PMADs
After welcoming a new baby, it’s natural for emotions to run high. Joy, exhaustion, overwhelm, and tenderness often coexist in those early days. But when those feelings linger or start to interfere with your ability to function, it can be hard to tell what’s “normal” and what might be something more.
Let’s talk about the difference between baby blues and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs)—because knowing the difference matters.
What Are the “Baby Blues”?
Up to 80% of new moms experience the baby blues—a temporary emotional adjustment period after birth.
The sudden hormonal shifts after delivery, combined with lack of sleep, physical recovery, and the huge life transition of becoming a parent, can all contribute to mood swings.
Common symptoms include:
Crying spells that come and go
Irritability or mood swings
Feeling easily overwhelmed
Trouble sleeping (even when you can)
Anxiety about your baby’s wellbeing
The baby blues usually begin within the first few days postpartum and tend to resolve on their own within about two weeks.
Gentle self-care, rest, emotional support, and validation can make a big difference during this period.
What Are PMADs?
When symptoms last longer than two weeks, intensify over time, or start to interfere with your ability to care for yourself or your baby, this may indicate a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder (PMAD).
PMADs are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, affecting about 1 in 5 birthing people. They can occur any time during pregnancy or within the first year postpartum—not just in the first few weeks.
PMADs include:
Postpartum depression
Perinatal anxiety and panic disorder
Obsessive-compulsive symptoms (intrusive thoughts)
Postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Bipolar disorder and postpartum psychosis (less common, but serious)
Common signs may include:
Persistent sadness, guilt, or hopelessness
Feeling disconnected from your baby or yourself
Racing thoughts, constant worry, or intrusive thoughts
Changes in appetite or sleep
Loss of pleasure or interest in things you used to enjoy
Thoughts of self-harm or feeling like your family would be better off without you
You Are Not Alone—and You Deserve Support
Experiencing a PMAD doesn’t mean you’re failing as a parent. It means your brain and body need care, just like they would after any medical complication.
With help, recovery is absolutely possible. Therapy, support groups, medication (when appropriate), and community resources can help you feel like yourself again.
If your symptoms last beyond two weeks, or you just don’t feel like yourself, reach out. You don’t have to wait until things feel “bad enough” to get support.
At Braving Motherhood: Counseling & Wellness
We specialize in supporting women and birthing people through all stages of the perinatal journey. Whether you’re adjusting to motherhood, navigating anxiety, or wondering if what you’re feeling is more than the baby blues, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
✨ You deserve care, too.
Reach out today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward feeling more grounded, supported, and understood.
If you are in crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please reach out right now:
📞 Call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or reach the Postpartum Support International Helpline at 1-800-944-4773 (text “HELP” to 800-944-4773).
