Baby blues vs postpartum depression: A guide for new mums

Becoming a mother might not be the joyous experience you expect if you get the baby blues.

When I was pregnant for the first time, I was so excited. I was going to be the best mother in the world and I wouldn’t make all the mistakes my mother made. Then I had my baby. I was so happy and tired at the same time. But after I came back from hospital, I started feeling irritable.

Many women have what we call ‘baby blues’. In fact, it happens in 70% to 80% of all new mothers! Baby blues can happen a few days after your baby is born. They usually last a few days to up to two weeks. They usually occur most forcefully around five days after birth.