Even though you have recently given birth and are delighted about this happy event, you can't stop crying. This is a classic and benign situation known as the baby blues
The baby blues (or "third day syndrome") occur in the first few days after giving birth. It is due to a drop in hormones, with all the physiological changes that this entails, and is accentuated by an emotional fragility linked to the fatigue and stress of childbirth.
It is characterized by a relatively short duration, sometimes only a few hours, up to ten days.
When the baby blues start to last and the young mother's condition, or the young father's, even if the cases are rarer, does not improve, one can suspect a more important depression. It manifests itself by a sadness that settles in. The young mother seems to lose interest in her daily life, her loved ones, even herself and her child. She may lose her appetite, sleep, and the desire to go out. Gradually, she becomes withdrawn and feels overwhelmed by her new life.
This reaction can also occur a few weeks to a few months after the arrival of the baby. It is due to physiological changes, but also to the upheaval caused by the arrival of the baby. It can occur even in mothers who have had children before. In addition, some women feel guilty that they are not experiencing joy or love alone, which can make the baby blues worse
Mourning the dream or imaginary child
The arrival of a baby is an event that is generally eagerly awaited, marked by physical and psychological expectation. However, when a woman gives birth, she must, on the one hand, mourn her pregnancy and, on the other hand, mourn the child she had imagined having. During the baby blues, there is a mixture of very ambiguous feelings, between mourning the dream child and the intense satisfaction of finally having her baby. This very pleasant and invested event can provoke an intense emotional reaction
Baby blues: no consequences on the mother-child relationship
The baby blues are benign. 80-90% of young mothers experience a bout of crying or at least some crying after giving birth. The crying and dysphoria disappear on their own after a few days
This frequent episode after childbirth is of no consequence and does not influence the mother-child relationship. However, if the symptoms persist beyond two weeks after the birth or intensify, it is best to talk to your midwife or doctor. This may be a sign of the onset of post-natal depression.