{"id":159442,"date":"2026-01-28T05:59:23","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T11:59:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/?page_id=159442"},"modified":"2026-04-09T16:26:11","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T22:26:11","slug":"mental-health","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/postpartum\/mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Mental Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Mental Health <\/b>Understanding Emotions After Birth<\/h1>\nBringing a baby into the world is life-changing. Alongside joy and awe, many parents experience emotional shifts that can feel surprising or intense. Hormones change rapidly after birth. Sleep becomes fragmented. Identity evolves. Responsibility deepens. If you feel overwhelmed, tearful, anxious, or different than expected, you are not alone.\n\nIf you would like to return to the Postpartum guide, visit the Postpartum hub<\/a>.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pregnancy Topics<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\"Premature<\/a><\/div>
Postpartum<\/a><\/div>

Premature Birth - Natural Emotions<\/a><\/p>

A premature birth, like any birth, involves many emotions. Your emotions might fluctuate from shock to grief, sadness to hope,…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Preventing<\/a><\/div>
Postpartum<\/a><\/div>

Preventing The Baby Blues<\/a><\/p>

Preventing the baby blues is something every expecting mother wants to do. Mothers-to-be often spend hours and days making preparations…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Baby<\/a><\/div>
Postpartum<\/a><\/div>

Baby Blues<\/a><\/p>

Mood swings after the birth of a baby are not uncommon. While the \u201cbaby blues\u201d are the least severe form…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Giving<\/a><\/div>
Postpartum<\/a><\/div>

Giving Birth Without Fear (VIDEO)<\/a><\/p>

When many Americans think about giving birth, the main thing they think about is the pain involved. The fear and…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Postpartum<\/a><\/div>

Do I Have The Baby Blues Or Postpartum Depression?<\/a><\/p>

Pregnancy is filled with many emotions and sensations. \u00a0Not only are our bodies changing, but there are also wishes, hopes,…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Postpartum<\/a><\/div>

You Are Not Alone In Your Postpartum Feelings!<\/a><\/p>

Please don\u2019t be ashamed of postpartum depression. Many new moms experience at least one of its many forms. Approximately 75%…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The Baby Blues<\/h2>

Up to 80% of new mothers experience temporary mood changes known as the baby blues.1<\/sup> Baby blues typically begin within the first few days after birth and improve within two weeks. They are common and usually resolve without medical treatment.<\/p>

Symptoms may include tearfulness, mood swings, irritability, emotional sensitivity, and difficulty sleeping beyond newborn care demands.<\/p>

Learn more about the baby blues, what causes them, and when they typically resolve<\/a><\/p>

Postpartum Depression<\/h2>

Postpartum depression (PPD) is more serious and longer-lasting than the baby blues. It affects approximately 1 in 8 women.2<\/sup> Postpartum depression is treatable. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.<\/p>

Symptoms may include:<\/p>