Depression After Childbirth: Care Instructions

It's common to lose sleep, feel irritable, and cry easily during the first few days after childbirth. Hormone changes and the demands of a new baby can cause these "baby blues." If these mood changes last more than 2 weeks, you may have postpartum depression. This is a medical condition that requires treatment.

If you have any of these signs, you may be depressed. See your doctor right away.

Tips to help with postpartum depression

What you can do

• Try to go to all of your counseling sessions.

• Take medicines as directed.

• Eat healthy foods.

• Get daily exercise, such as walks.

• Try to get some sunlight every day.

• Avoid using alcohol or other substances.

• Get as much rest as possible.

• Connect with friends, and join a support group for new parents.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 if:

Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:

Consider saving these numbers in your phone.

Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

Contact your doctor if:

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

Current as of: June 24, 2023

Content Version: 14.0

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.