Postpartum blues or the "baby blues" is a passing phase of emotions Often characterized as a mild transient mood disturbance Onset coincides with normal physiologic drop in estrogen and progesterone Some have questioned if this might be the cause for this emotional event

 

	Incidence:   50-80% of women report some symptoms of "baby blues"
	Occurrence: It peaks at about 3-5 days after delivery Usually lasts only a few days ending around the 2nd week after delivery Usually mild and self-resolving with family support and understanding

 

Symptoms may include: Crying spells with no apparent reason Irritability Restlessness/overly stimulated Sleeplessness Anxiety Impatience Anorexia Moodiness/mood swings Fatigue Anger toward family (and may include infant)

 

	"Baby Blues," overall, do not interfere with or effect mom's ability to care for her infant
	"Baby Blues" are more common, but less serious, than postpartum depression and/or postpartum psychosis