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If you're like many new moms, you may need extra emotional support. Family, friends and medical professionals can all help.

Pregnancy is a time to plan.

There are cribs to consider, strollers to select and pajamas to pick. There are nursery designs to narrow down, diapers to decide on and car seats to choose. And that's just for starters!

There's no end to the excitement (and yes, stress) of planning for your baby. But don't forget the needs that you may have after your baby's birth.

Many new moms need extra support from family, friends and, possibly, from medical professionals.

A baby's birth can bring immeasurable joy. But it can also lead to feelings of sadness that range from mild to extreme.

The baby blues

According to Mental Health America (MHA), up to 80% of new moms have mood swings, or baby blues. These women may:

• Feel sad, confused, restless, anxious, irritable or lonely.
• Cry easily.
• Have appetite loss and sleeping problems.

Experts believe that the baby blues are caused by changes in hormone levels after delivery. Fortunately, the symptoms tend to go away on their own. You'll usually feel better within a week or two as hormones level out.

In the meantime, the March of Dimes says these steps can help:

• Talk about your feelings with your partner or a good friend.
• Try a support group for new moms.
• Try to get as much rest as you can.
• Ask your partner, family and friends for help.
• Get out of the house every day, even if it's just for a short time.

Shades of darkness

Sometimes symptoms of the baby blues become more severe and last longer than a couple of weeks. In that case, they may be caused by a more serious mood disorder called postpartum depression (PPD).

PPD can happen anytime within the first year after childbirth, according to the Office on Women's Health (OWH). Symptoms include more extreme versions of the baby blues. You may also notice:

• A hopeless and overwhelmed feeling.
• Lack of energy or motivation.
• Trouble focusing, remembering or making decisions.
• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you previously enjoyed.
• Withdrawal from friends and family.
• Excessive preoccupation with the baby's health.
• Thoughts of harming the baby or yourself (if you are concerned about this, contact your doctor right away).
• Not having any interest in the baby.

You may also have physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomach problems.

If several of these symptoms occur for more than two weeks after delivery, or if you think you may have PPD, let your doctor know right away.

If you do have PPD, you'll need treatment.

What you can do

The two main types of treatment for PPD are medicine and counseling. In addition, the following tips from MHA and OWH may help:

• Spend time with friends and in support groups.
• Exercise when you can. And eat healthy food. Both these steps can improve your mood.
• Avoid caffeine. It can trigger anxiety and cause mood changes.
• Don't try to do everything. Do what you can and leave the rest.
• Ask for help with chores and nighttime feedings. If possible, have a friend, family member or professional support person help you at home for part of the day.

Remember, feeling depressed after giving birth is nothing to feel ashamed of. Get treatment right away. It can help you feel better. And then you can start enjoying your life as a new mom.

Reviewed 10/17/2023