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Coping with Sadness and Emotions After Childbirth

Life crises
7 May 2024

During the postpartum period, approximately 50% to 70% of women encounter postpartum sadness, commonly referred to as "baby blues." The sadness is caused by the hormonal changes your body undergoes. You may feel fatigue, which characterizes this phase, as well as sleep deprivation or interrupted sleep, and you may be stressed.

You are not alone. This is a common phenomenon in women after birth.

The feeling of sadness is temporary and lasts for several days or weeks. However, if it lasts over two weeks, it is essential to seek help. In the meantime, try to find time to rest and allow yourself the space to express your emotions and cry when necessary. It will pass.

The feeling of postpartum sadness is very common in the early days after childbirth. You can experience brief moments of joy followed by unexpected tears. The probable cause is the hormonal changes occurring in your body after giving birth. Sadness can persist for a period ranging from several hours to a fortnight. In most cases, it tends to resolve on its own and does not necessitate any specific treatment. Nonetheless, it is crucial to bring attention to this condition and provide emotional support and understanding.

You should know

You should know

You are not alone. This is a common phenomenon in women after birth. During the postpartum period, approximately 50% to 70% of women encounter postpartum sadness, commonly referred to as "baby blues."

Feelings that women with postpartum depression may experience

  • Sudden radical mood swings.
  • Sudden crying with no apparent reason.
  • Restlessness.
  • Trouble concentrating.
  • Over-worrying.
  • Anger.
  • Sleeping disorders (even when the baby is asleep) or continuous fatigue.

How to cope with sadness after giving birth

If you are experiencing sadness, it is important to acknowledge the situation and seek emotional support. Therefore, it is vital to talk to your loved ones or medical professionals about your emotions, including your Family Care Center ('Tipat Halav') nurse, obstetrician, or relatives.
Moreover, take some time to cry and rest when your baby is asleep.

Postpartum sadness usually passes on its own, but if it does not go away or even gets worse at a later stage, it may be a case of postpartum depression. This condition needs to be treated by professionals.