What are the Baby Blues?
A Gentle Guide to Postpartum Emotions in the Early Days
You’ve just welcomed your baby into the world. It should be one of the happiest times of your life — but instead, you feel tearful, overwhelmed, anxious… maybe even a little detached.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. You might be experiencing something completely normal: the baby blues.
At Neutral Nest, we believe in supporting the whole parent — emotionally, physically, and gently. So let’s talk honestly about what the baby blues are, why they happen, and how to care for yourself through them.
So, What Are the Baby Blues?
The baby blues are a short-lived period of emotional turbulence that affects up to 80% of new mums in the first few days after birth. They usually begin around day 3 to 5 postpartum, just as your milk comes in and your hormones shift dramatically.
Common signs include:
Sudden bouts of crying (often for no clear reason)
Feeling overwhelmed or easily irritated
Mood swings
Anxiety or restlessness
Difficulty sleeping (even when the baby sleeps)
Feeling sensitive or emotionally fragile
Worrying whether you're doing a “good enough” job
These feelings often take new parents by surprise — especially after the emotional high of birth or the relief of finally having your baby in your arms.
Why Do the Baby Blues Happen?
It’s not a flaw or a failing — it’s biology.
The baby blues are linked to:
A dramatic drop in pregnancy hormones (oestrogen and progesterone)
Sleep deprivation
Emotional adjustment to your new role
Physical recovery after birth
The sheer intensity of doing something completely new
Your body, mind, and heart are all going through huge changes — and the emotional fallout is often unavoidable.
How Long Do the Baby Blues Last?
The good news is that the baby blues are usually temporary.
They tend to:
Start around day 3 to 5 postpartum
Peak around day 5 to 7
Settle on their own by 2 weeks
If your low mood continues beyond two weeks, or worsens over time, it may be a sign of postnatal depression or anxiety — and it’s important to reach out for professional support.
What Helps During the Baby Blues?
1. Rest (Even If It’s Just Sitting Still)
Sleep is limited in the early days, but small pockets of rest can help your nervous system recalibrate. Let go of non-essentials. Sit. Breathe. Close your eyes.
2. Talk It Out
Tell someone how you're feeling — a partner, friend, midwife, or health visitor. Naming what’s going on often brings relief and reassurance that you’re not alone.
3. Eat and Drink Something Nourishing
Blood sugar dips and dehydration can intensify mood swings. Keep snacks nearby and sip water throughout the day. Warm, comforting meals help you feel more grounded.
4. Cry if You Need To
Tears are not weakness — they’re release. If you feel like crying, let it come. It’s part of the healing.
5. Lower the Bar
You don’t need to “bounce back,” entertain guests, or keep up with anything other than feeding and cuddling your baby. Let the dishes sit. Let people help. Let the day be messy.
When It’s More Than the Baby Blues
While the baby blues are common and short-lived, postnatal depression or anxiety is more persistent, and deserves professional support.
Signs to look for include:
Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
Loss of interest in your baby
Panic attacks or constant dread
Trouble bonding
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
If anything doesn’t feel right, please don’t wait. Speak to your GP, midwife, or health visitor. Help is there — and recovery is possible.
Final Thoughts
The baby blues may be part of the postpartum story, but they don’t define it. You’re allowed to feel wobbly, tearful, unsure — even while deeply loving your baby.
Let this be your reminder:
It’s okay to not feel okay.
You are not alone.
You are not doing it wrong.
You are becoming — and that takes time, tears, and tenderness.
At Neutral Nest, we’re here to support you through every stage of early parenthood — with calm resources, comforting essentials, and the quiet reassurance that you’ve got this, even on the teary days.