Delivery is on a selected date, you can choose a delivery day of your choice, up to 10 days in advance (Excluding next day delivery. Postcode restrictions apply) Symptoms might upset you at the time, but they are relatively mild and will usually pass within 10 to 14 days after the birth (NHS, 2018b). If they hang around, become more severe or include manic symptoms, they could be signs of more serious postnatal illness, such as postnatal psychosis. If so, you should speak to your GP or health visitor about getting some help and support (NICE, 2014).

Yet if your symptoms don’t ease, become severe or you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, speak to your midwife, GP, health visitor or emergency healthcare urgently. No one will judge you for how you feel. The most important thing is that you get the support you need to take care of yourself and your baby. Tommy’s wellbeing planThere are treatments available if you have a mental health condition during or after pregnancy. What you are offered will depend partly on what your symptoms are, how severe they are and what’s available locally. Find out more about treatments for mental health conditions.

If your feelings don’t go away or get worse, this could be a sign of a more serious mental health problem, such as postnatal depression. This is nothing to be ashamed of and you are not alone. Up to 1 in 5 women develop mental health problems during pregnancy or in the first year after childbirth. You could ask your family to pop over and help out around the house or chat to a friend about how you’re feeling. On the other hand, if it’s all getting a bit too much, you could simply ban the visitors for a few days. Baby blues are due to the sudden hormonal and chemical changes that happen in your body after giving birth. Your body (and mind) have just been through an extraordinary experience – it will take a bit of time to adjust. Find out more about what your body goes through after giving birth.It may be difficult but try to look after yourself as well as your new baby. Even little things can help. You could try: MIND. (2020) Understanding postnatal depression and perinatal mental health. Available at: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/about-maternal-mental-health-problems/ [Accessed 14th January 2022].

Many people find it hard to talk about negative feelings after having a baby because they feel under pressure to be happy. But don’t be afraid to tell someone how you feel. Your midwife, GP and health visitor will understand and will do whatever they can to support you. NICE. (2014) Antenatal and postnatal mental health. Clinical management and service guidance CG192. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg192 [Accessed 14th January 2022]. These feelings usually start in the week after birth and usually last for a few days. What causes the baby blues?

We walked through the front door and I burst into tears. I think it was a classic combination of hormones and the realisation that, for the first time, it was just the 3 of us.” Rezaie-Keikhaie K, Arbabshastan ME, Rafiemanesh H, Amirshahi M, Ostadkelayeh SM, Arbabisarjou A. (2020) Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of the maternity blues in the postpartum period. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 49(2):127-136. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32035973/ [Accessed 14th January 2022]. NHS. (2018a) Overview - postnatal depression. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/post-natal-depression/ [Accessed 14th January 2022]. There’s also the huge weight of responsibility that comes with bringing a human into the world. Much as you love your child, it’s ok to admit that when you first get home, having a baby can feel seriously overwhelming (MIND, 2020). How can I reduce the impact of the baby blues? If you think it might be something more serious, talk to your GP or health visitor. What causes the baby blues?