Postpartum Mental Health: How to Spot the Signs of Baby Blues By Donna, Antenatal Classes Auckland

You’ve just had your baby. Everyone says you should be over the moon. But you feel… Weepy. Exhausted. Overwhelmed.

Like you’re walking around in someone else’s body with someone else’s life.

Sound familiar?You’re not broken, mama. You might just be experiencing something incredibly common — the baby blues.

What Are the Baby Blues?

Baby blues affect up to 80% of new mums in the first week or two after birth. It’s a real and totally normal response to:

• Hormonal changes (hello, oestrogen crash)

• Physical exhaustion

• Sleep deprivation

• The emotional intensity of becoming a parent

And while they usually fade after a couple of weeks, they can feel massive when you’re in them.

⚠️ Signs You Might Be Experiencing the Baby Blues:

Teariness — crying for “no reason” (or, let’s be real, because the toast burned)

Feeling irritable, anxious, or moody.

Struggling to sleep, even when baby is 

Feeling detached from your baby or partner 

Overwhelm, guilt, or “I can’t do this” thoughts

It’s okay. This doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means your mind and body are processing a huge life change.

When Is It More Than the Baby Blues?

The blues usually peak around day 3–5 postpartum and settle down by two weeks.If your low mood lasts longer than two weeks, or gets worse, it could be something more serious—like postnatal depression or anxiety.

Watch for red flags like:

• Persistent sadness or numbness

• Panic attacks

• Feeling hopeless or unable to cope

• Thoughts of harm (to yourself or your baby)

If this sounds familiar, please reach out to your GP, midwife, or a perinatal counsellor. You're not alone, and help is absolutely available.

What Helps During the Baby Blues?

Talk about it – Tell someone you trust how you’re feeling. You don’t have to “power through. Rest and reset – Prioritise sleep, even in short bursts. 

Nourish your body – Warm food, water, iron-rich meals… it matters more than you think. 

Give yourself grace – Lower your expectations. Now isn’t the time to worry about anything beyond survival mode.

Know your supports – Have the right numbers saved (midwife, GP, Plunket, or a specialist like me).

My Advice?

The baby blues might be common, but they still deserve compassion and care. You don’t need to wait until things get “bad enough” to speak up or ask for help.

That’s why my Antenatal Classes Auckland aren’t just about labour. We talk about the emotional side of new motherhood, too—because birth is only the beginning.

You deserve to feel seen, heard, and supported—before and after baby arrives.

Donna x

If you're pregnant and want to prepare for more than just labour, my Antenatal Classes Auckland cover exactly this kind of stuff. Let's get you feeling calm, confident, and ready for the whole journey. Come join us

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