Postpartum Depression Vs Baby Blues Vs Postpartum Psychosis Nclex Questions

baby blues vs PMADs: 5 key differences

information provided by Annette Attolini-Fertuck, Ph.D.
written by Carli Evilsizer

Those early postpartum days can be emotionally and mentally difficult and while most new moms might brush off their symptoms as 'just the baby blues,' we were wondering how a parent could determine if they or their partner might be experiencing more than the baby blues. We chatted with Dr. Annette Attolini-Fertuck, a clinical psychologist in NYC certified in Perinatal Mental Health, about what postpartum feelings/thoughts are normal and what's not normal. The baby blues are normal and begin around the third day after the delivery. The symptoms can include fatigue, anxiety, irritability and tearfulness but the baby blues will eventually go away and does not require professional intervention. However, with Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders, symptoms can last for much longer and do require professional interventions. If you are wondering if how you have been feeling postpartum is normal, ask these five questions below to determine if it's 'just the baby blues' or if you might be suffering from a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder.

1. How long have you felt like this?

The baby blues appear shortly after giving birth and these symptoms last for no more than two to three weeks postpartum. With Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, symptoms could last for months or longer. Keep track of your feelings and how long you have been feeling this way.

2. Do you feel hopeless?

If you have the baby blues you might feel exhausted, anxious or tearful but you are mostly happy and enjoying your baby. However, if you usually feel hopeless and inadequate and you are not enjoying your baby, this could be a signal that you might be suffering from a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder.

3. Can you sleep?

Obviously most new moms won't be getting much sleep with a newborn in the house but if you can sleep when you actually get the opportunity to do so, this is normal. If you cannot sleep even when you have the opportunity to do so this could be a sign that you might be experiencing more than the baby blues.

4. Do you feel like yourself?

While every new mom will need to adjust to their new identity as a parent, it is normal to feel like yourself overall. But with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, you do not feel like yourself and you feel that you are never going to be the same again.

5. Do you feel like you are 'going crazy'?

It is normal for new moms to feel anxious but it should not interfere with your ability to take care of yourself or your baby. However, if you are afraid that you are 'going crazy' or you feel like you cannot turn off the doubts and fears in your mind, this could be a symptom of a PMAD.

Give yourself a little bit of time but if you identify more with the symptoms associated with a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder, Dr. Annette Attolini-Fertuck recommends seeking professional help.

Annette Attolini-Fertuck, Ph.D.

Clinical Psychologist Certified in Perinatal Mental Health

Annette A. Fertuck, PhD, PMH-C

Dr. Annette Attolini-Fertuck is New York State Licensed Psychologist who completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Rose Hill Psychological Services. She has experience working with diverse populations in psychiatric hospitals, high security prisons, medical hospitals, and schools. She has treated individuals of all ages, from diverse cultural backgrounds, and of varying sexual identities. Born and raised in Mexico, and has lived in the United States for several years.