Baby Blues

The baby blues are not considered a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. Rather, it’s a feeling of sadness and emotional discomfort that can occur during the first few weeks postpartum.

Up to 60-80% of birthing individuals experience the baby blues, typically beginning 3-4 days after childbirth and lasting up to 2 weeks. Partners can also experience the blues.

This period is considered a normal part of postpartum recovery, largely due to hormonal shifts and the adjustment to life with a newborn. However, it can be quite distressing.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of the baby blues can vary from day to day and from person to person. You might experience these feelings sporadically throughout the day, for brief moments, or more intensely during certain periods. Symptoms may include:

  • Mixed or alternating moods. For example, feeling elated, and then, really sad.
  • Worry
  • Crying or tearful with no clear reason
  • Impatience, irritability, or anger
  • Anxiety or feeling restless
  • Difficulty sleeping or resting
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Self-doubt
  • Feeling overwhelmed

It’s important to note that, the blues can feel like depression or anxiety. However, symptoms are generally less intense and frequent. They may also improve with adequate self-care. For instance, getting a certain amount of uninterrupted sleep.

Overall, symptoms usually peak around 3-7 days postpartum and don’t typically interfere with daily functioning in a clinically significant way.

When to Seek Help

If your symptoms:

  • Persist beyond 2 weeks
  • Intensify or significantly affect your daily life and ability to care for yourself or your baby
  • Include thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
  • Do not improve with self-care & adaptive coping strategies

Self-Care and Coping Strategies

There is no treatment for the blues. Symptoms generally resolve on their own within 2 weeks or with self-care and adaptive coping strategies such as:

  • Ask for and accept help: Lean on family, friends, or professionals for support.
  • Rest and recover: Prioritize rest and give your body time to heal after birth.
  • Eat nourishing foods: Even if you don’t feel hungry, try to eat small, balanced meals or snacks to keep your energy up and stabilize your mood.
  • Move your body. Even a short walk can be beneficial to your mental health.
  • Stay connected: Share your feelings with loved ones or join a support group for new parents.

Emergency Resources

If you are in need of immediate assistance, please contact:

  • Your health care provider
  • Your local hospital or health centre
  • Dial 9-1-1 or your local emergency services number
  • Call or text the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8

Local Resources 

To learn more about local resources, please click below. Please note, this is not exhaustive list.

Yukon Directory

Downloads & Resources

DISCLAIMER: The content of Postpartum Support Yukon’s website, posts, and blogs does not constitute medical advice, nor is it an emergency service. If you have concerns about any health or medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment, you should consult with a licensed healthcare provider. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call, or go to, your health care provider, local emergency department, 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Postpartum Support Yukon is intended for informational purposes only.