A child makes your happiness perfect ”, “ As soon as you look at your baby after birth, all the pain is forgotten ”, “ The smile of your puppy is worth every difficulty ... Come on, raise your hand if you haven't heard phrases like these at least once!
The ideal image of the happy, always radiant new mom (often conveyed before the birth of your little one) can be a bit misleading.

In fact, it often happens quite the opposite shortly after birth: 8 out of 10 mothers experience baby blues in the first days with their baby (read our article: The first days at home with the newborn: what do you do now?), and these mood swings often strike completely unexpectedly. But don’t panic: it comes, and then it goes.

In this article, we explain which symptoms may be associated with the baby blues, what causes could trigger it, and what you can do about it.

You will also learn how it differs from postpartum depression, because, as you may already know, the two terms are often incorrectly used as synonyms.

Baby blues: symptoms

Baby blues occurs within the first three to five days after birth and can last from one day to a week. Usually, the symptoms resolve on their own after a short time—sometimes even after just a few hours. Since baby blues often manifests as sudden crying spells, it is also referred to as the "crying days." Additionally, the following symptoms may occur:

• 
  Discomfort
  

• Emotional lability
  

• Mood swings
  

• Irritability and aggression (never experienced before)
  

• Anxiety
  

• Worry about your child and the future
  

• Difficulty concentrating
  

• Mild insomnia
  

• Loss of appetite.
  

Baby blues: the causes

The reason is the significant hormonal drop after childbirth , which can cause your mood to plummet for a short period.

So the baby blues is not a psychological disorder , but part of the normal process of change in your body.
In fact, levels of estrogen and progesterone are very high during pregnancy: they are needed, for example, for placental growth, for building the uterine lining, and to prepare the body for milk production. However, these hormones also affect your mood: estrogen stabilizes it, while progesterone has a relaxing and anxiolytic effect. If the levels of these two hormones drop rapidly after childbirth, you may feel sad and depressed until your hormonal balance returns to normal after a few days.

Baby blues: natural remedies

• 
  Adequate rest and sleep : The proverb “Tomorrow is another day” is especially true here: sleep on it, rest, and you will wake up feeling refreshed in body and mind.
  

• Self-acceptance : Many women feel guilty because, now that the baby is in their arms, they don’t feel happy. You may also wonder why you don’t immediately feel that strong emotional connection with your child that people often talk about. Try to accept your current state as completely normal, and don’t let unnecessary guilt take hold. As soon as your hormone levels stabilize, you will feel better again—and as you and your little one get to know each other, a close bond will develop naturally.
  

• Confide in someone : You don’t have to go through this time alone. Share your feelings with someone close to you, whether it’s your partner, your mother, or a friend. Your midwife can also be a great point of contact: as an expert, she supports women facing the same challenges every day.
  

• Understanding from others The last thing you need right now is reproach or misunderstanding from those around you.
  A word of comfort and a hug, on the other hand, can work small miracles and remind you that you don’t have to pretend.
  

• External support : During this phase, when you’re under physical and mental strain, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Support at home from your partner, a meal cooked by the grandparents, or a friend who does the grocery shopping for you are small gestures that can bring real relief.
  

• Close contact with your child : Use the postpartum period to spend plenty of time with your baby. Skin-to-skin contact, in particular, is very important for building the bond between you and your little one. So give them extra cuddles, especially if you’re not breastfeeding.

If the symptoms do not disappear on their own, this may be a sign that postpartum depression is beginning. Unlike the baby blues, it is a disease that, in the most severe cases, can include thoughts of suicide or infanticide. Therefore, consult a doctor in any case if you notice that your low mood lasts longer than a week.