It's common to lose sleep, feel irritable, and cry easily during the first few days after childbirth. Hormone changes and the demands of a new baby can cause these "baby blues." The "baby blues" often peak around the fourth day. Then they ease up in less than 2 weeks. If these mood changes last more than 2 weeks, you may have postpartum depression.
Most people with postpartum depression feel very sad or hopeless and stop finding pleasure in life. Other symptoms may include trouble sleeping and poor appetite.
Depression is a medical condition that requires treatment. Medicine and counseling often work well to reduce depression. You can still breastfeed while taking certain medicines for depression.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You or someone you know is thinking seriously of suicide or has recently tried suicide. Serious signs include these thoughts:
- You have decided on how to kill yourself, such as with a weapon or medicines.
- You have set a time and place to do it.
- You think there is no other way to solve the problem or end the pain.
- You feel you can't stop from hurting yourself, your baby, or someone else.
Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
- Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Go online to chat.988lifeline.org to start a chat.
- Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.
Consider saving these numbers or having this website in your phone.
Go to 988lifeline.org for more information.
Contact your doctor or midwife now if:
- You hear voices.
- You have been thinking about death or suicide a lot, but you don't have a suicide plan.
- You are worried that your feelings of depression or thoughts of suicide aren't going away.
Seek care soon if:
- You have symptoms of depression, such as:
- Feeling sad or hopeless.
- Not enjoying anything.
- Having trouble with sleep.
- Feeling guilty.
- Feeling anxious or worried.
- You have been treated for depression for more than 3 weeks, but you are not getting better.
Your doctor or midwife may be the first person to note and diagnose postpartum depression. This is one of many reasons why it's important to have a medical check 3 to 6 weeks after childbirth.
How is postpartum depression treated?
Treatment choices include:
- Counseling. It can give you emotional support and help with problem solving and goal setting. Others in your family may also benefit from counseling.
- Antidepressant medicine. It relieves symptoms for most people.
Doctors recommend that people with moderate to severe postpartum depression combine counseling with medicine. You can still breastfeed while taking certain antidepressants.
Antidepressants are typically used for 6 months or longer. They're taken first to treat postpartum depression and then to prevent symptoms from coming back.
Being active, eating well, and getting enough sleep may also help you feel better. Support from family, friends, or other parents may also help.
Talk to your doctor or midwife about your symptoms. Together you can decide what treatment is right for you.
How can you care for yourself?
Here are some tips for taking good care of yourself when you have postpartum depression.
- Connect with other people. Ask friends or family to check on you often. They could call, text, or visit. This can help when you have depression. You can also call the Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for support.
- Get as much sunlight as you can. Keep your shades and curtains open. And get outside as much as you can.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. This includes protein foods, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains.
- Try to avoid or limit alcohol. Alcohol can make depression worse.
- Try to be active every day. Exercise helps improve mood. For many people, outdoor stroller walks are a good choice.
- Ask for help with preparing food and doing other daily tasks. Family and friends are often happy to help when you have a newborn.
- Don't overdo it. And get as much rest and sleep as you can. Fatigue can increase depression.
- Join a support group for people who have new babies. To find a support group in your area, talk to your doctor or midwife. Or go to the website for Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information.
- Play upbeat music throughout your day and soothing music close to bedtime.
Credits
Current as of: July 31, 2026
Author: WebMD Ignite Staff
Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
