The sheer physical tiredness and emotional upheaval can leave new mums feeling weepy and worn out at a time when they had hoped to be fulfilled and happy. But to what extent is feeling low 'normal' and when does it become postnatal depression (PND)?

Baby Blues
At least half of all mothers hit a brief low, called "baby blues", three or four days after the birth. Symptoms can include feeling emotional and irrational, bursting into tears for no apparent reason, feeling irritable or touchy or feeling depressed or anxious. All these symptoms are normal and usually last for a few days. This is linked to normal hormonal changes in the body after the delivery and it generally passes very quickly. PND may follow the baby blues, but it may not.

Puerperal Psychosis
One or two mothers in 1000 will also develop an obvious severe psychiatric illness after the birth of their baby, which requires hospital treatment. Symptoms can involve delusions and hallucinations. Usually a complete recovery is made, although this may take a few weeks or months.

Postnatal Depression
PND lies between the baby blues and puerperal psychosis and is an extremely distressing condition with many symptoms.

Did You Know?

Postnatal depression is thought to affect at least one in ten women.

It generally starts within a month of the birth, but can appear at any time until the baby is around six months old. In many cases the baby blues do not go away or the depression can appear up to six months or even a year after the birth of the baby. Some symptoms such as tiredness, irritability or poor appetite are normal if you have just had a baby, but usually these are mild and do not stop you leading a normal life. With postnatal depression you may feel increasingly depressed and despondent and looking after yourself or the baby may become too much. Other symptoms include sleeping and eating difficulties, obsessional behaviour, feelings of guilt and inadequacy, anxiety, panic attacks, aches and pains or feeling unwell, memory loss or unable to concentrate, can't stop crying, feelings of hopelessness and loss of interest in the baby.

If you think you are suffering from postnatal depression don't struggle on alone. It is not a sign that you are a 'bad mother' or are unable to cope. Postnatal depression is an illness just as any other illness. Ask for help and talk to someone you can trust such as your partner, friend or health visitor. It is important to see your GP and you may find it useful to contact some of the support groups listed on this page. Health visitors and doctors can often arrange for counselling which can be of great help in getting through PND. Self help measures can be very effective too. A good diet with plenty of healthy snacks, supplemented with multivitamins and minerals along with sleep, rest and quiet. Above all, give yourself time.