Understanding Postpartum Depression and Maternal Blues: Causes, Symptoms, and Support

Yes, some mothers experience negative feelings toward their newborn immediately after birth, and it is possible for a mother to even hate her baby. Naturally, there are specific causes that contribute to this, such as hormonal changes, life pressures, previous negative experiences, or sometimes a genetic predisposition.

Statistics show that about 10% to 13% of mothers suffer from postpartum depression, maternal blues, or what is called “white depression.” Some cases may reach a stage of self-harm or harming the baby, but these feelings are usually temporary.

Here, Dr. Alia Ayoub, Professor of Education and Mental Health, emphasizes that the bigger problem lies in the severity and sometimes the persistence of these feelings. Therefore, it is helpful to provide psychological and social support to the mother during this new phase.

Causes of Postpartum Depression

There is no clear single cause for postpartum depression, but it is believed to be a mixture of multiple factors, such as:

• Sudden hormonal changes after birth; pregnancy hormones drop sharply, disrupting chemical balances, which may lead to mood swings or temporary depression.

• Extreme physical and mental exhaustion and lack of sleep from caring for the baby, or a medical history of depression during the current pregnancy or a previous one.

• A family history of depression or mental illness, or exposure to a difficult event during pregnancy, such as the death of a spouse or loss of income.

• Lack of sufficient emotional support from family, which may be due to birth complications, having a baby with health problems, or exposure to domestic violence.

• Facing difficulties in breastfeeding, or feeling pain or frustration, which negatively affect feelings toward the baby.

• Lack of psychological and emotional support, leading to feelings of loneliness and weakening the ability to form a healthy bond with the child.

• Previous negative experiences affecting the mother, such as losing a child or exposure to violence, which influence feelings toward her children.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Mild symptoms:

• Mood swings

• Sleep disturbances

• Changes in appetite

• Reduced desire for sexual activity

More severe symptoms:

• Unexplained crying spells

• Lack of interest in the baby and weak bonding

• Suicidal thoughts

• Episodes of anger and agitation

• Desire to harm others

• Feelings of hopelessness and despair

• Poor concentration and inability to make decisions

When Does Postpartum Depression Start and How Long Does It Last?

Postpartum depression symptoms usually begin to appear around the first week after birth, although they can be difficult to notice initially due to the natural fatigue and exhaustion a woman experiences after childbirth. Sometimes symptoms appear later, even during the first year.

In some cases, symptoms persist for up to 3 years after childbirth. Studies have shown that both parents, not just the mother, may suffer from postpartum depression symptoms.

Effects of Postpartum Mental Disorders on the Baby

It is important to begin treating depressive symptoms as soon as they appear, because delaying treatment may expose both mother and child to several risks:

• Some women refuse to breastfeed despite its importance.

• The infant may lack the necessary care and attention from the mother regarding health problems or unusual symptoms.

• Neglecting routine child healthcare, such as vaccinations and regular pediatric check-ups.

What is “White Depression” or Maternal Blues?

White depression or maternal blues is a condition commonly experienced by most new mothers. It causes the woman to experience:

• Sudden mood swings, such as feeling happy and then suddenly very sad, often crying without a clear reason.

• Loss of patience and quick irritation, which may last for several months after the birth of any child, not just the first. This condition often affects the mother’s ability to carry out daily tasks, causing frustration after minimal effort.

• Feelings of rejection toward the baby, who has deprived her of her normal life, possibly leading her to neglect or avoid caring for or breastfeeding the baby.

Direct Causes

• It is believed that white depression is related to hormonal changes during pregnancy and the hormonal shifts after childbirth.

• The sudden changes in a new mother’s life, along with sleep disturbances, all contribute to impacting her mental state.

• Additional symptoms include unexplained sadness and crying, impatience, agitation, discomfort, anxiety, and insomnia even when the baby is asleep, poor concentration, and mood swings.

Actions to Help Reduce Symptoms

• Give yourself time; don’t pressure yourself to feel love immediately—love is like a plant that needs water, care, and time.

• Do “acts of love” even if you don’t feel it; hold your baby, smile at them—sometimes actions lead to feelings.

• Talk with a mother who has gone through the experience; motherhood becomes easier when shared.

• Don’t compare yourself to other mothers; every mother’s journey is unique, and every child’s story is different.

• Ask for support and don’t be ashamed to seek psychological help.

• Talk to someone you trust about the feelings overwhelming you.

• Maintain a balanced and healthy diet.

• Take short walks outdoors, away from the duties of motherhood and new responsibilities.

• Don’t seek perfection in caring for the baby and in your role as a mother, especially in the first weeks—allow yourself some time.