What best differentiates baby blues from postpartum depression?

The distinction between baby blues and postpartum depression is primarily based on the severity and duration of symptoms experienced.

Baby blues typically occur in the first few days after childbirth and include feelings of sadness, mood swings, and anxiety, which are generally mild and transient. These symptoms usually resolve within two weeks as the hormone levels stabilize and the new mother adjusts to her role.

In contrast, postpartum depression is characterized by more intense and prolonged symptoms, including severe mood disturbances, feelings of hopelessness, changes in appetite, difficulty bonding with the baby, and fatigue that last longer than two weeks. The severity can interfere significantly with daily functioning and the ability to care for oneself and the baby.

This understanding of symptom severity and duration is crucial for professionals in the field of perinatal mental health, as it guides appropriate assessment and intervention strategies for new mothers experiencing these conditions.