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Baby Blues… or Is It Something More?

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  • Baby Blues… or Is It Something More?
January 7, 2026 Women

Baby Blues Baby Blues… or Is It Something More?

It’s very common to feel emotional after having a baby. Your body is healing, your hormones are changing, and life looks very different overnight. Many parents experience the “baby blues” during the first week after birth.

Question mark speech bubble What Are the Baby Blues?

The baby blues usually start 2–3 days after birth and can last up to 10 days. A sudden drop in hormones, lack of sleep, and caring for a newborn can make you feel emotional.

You may notice:

Woman holding tissue, looking thoughtful while sitting indoors

Feeling sad or tearful

Woman in sweater gazing thoughtfully to the side

Worrying more than usual

Person resting on couch, hand on forehead, appearing tired

Feeling overwhelmed

Person with head in hand, appearing distressed

Crying easily

Woman lying in bed, looking thoughtful and relaxed

Trouble sleeping, even when tired

These feelings are very common. More than half of new moms have baby blues. With rest and support, most parents feel better within a couple of weeks.

Question mark speech bubble white What Can Help the Baby Blues?

Woman sleeping while man holds baby nearby
  • Ask a partner, friend, or family member to help you rest
  • Take short naps or breaks when you can
  • Be gentle and patient with yourself
  • Remember you are not doing anything wrong. You are learning a brand-new role

BabyBlues calander When It Might Be Something More

If these feelings last past day 10 or 11, or start anytime in the first year after baby is born, it may be more than the baby blues. This could be postpartum depression or anxiety. These conditions can also start during pregnancy.

You may notice:

  • Feeling very sad or miserable
  • Crying a lot
  • Not wanting to eat
  • Trouble sleeping even when exhausted
  • Feeling guilty, worthless, or “like a bad parent”
  • Feeling scared, panicky, or very anxious
  • Feeling like you can’t cope
Woman attentively listening during a conversation at a table

Up to 1 in 5 parents feel this way. You are not alone, and you are not to blame.

Talk to your OB provider or primary care doctor if any of these feelings continue. They can help you get the care you deserve.

WIC Can Support How WIC Can Support You

WIC is here for your whole family – including support for your emotional well-being. WIC staff understand the challenges new parents face and are ready to listen without judgment.

WIC can help by offering:
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Breastfeeding support,

including peer counselors who have been in your shoes

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Referrals to mental health providers,

support groups, or community resources

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Tips for feeding and caring for your baby so you feel less stressed

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Someone to talk to

when you need extra support

You don’t have to feel okay before asking for help.
WIC is a safe place to start the conversation.

Deserve Support icon You Deserve Support

Becoming a parent is a big change. You don’t have to go through it alone.

Many parents feel better by:
Women sitting and talking in a supportive group

Joining a parenting or new-moms group or asking family member to help you rest

Woman smiling and talking during a therapy session

Talking with a counselor or therapist

Hand holding pills, other hand holding water glass

Taking medication prescribed by their doctor (many options are safe while breastfeeding)

Getting help with feeding can also make a big difference. Stress around breastfeeding or bottle-feeding can make mood symptoms feel worse and WIC can support you through this.
Two connected hearts outlined in bold blue strokes
If you are struggling, reaching out is a sign of strength. You deserve care, compassion, and support – from your family, your health team, and from WIC.

Help is available, and you don’t have to face this alone.

REFERENCES:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2024, April). Postpartum depression.
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/postpartum-depression

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). Symptoms of depression
among women.
https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/depression/index.html

Mayo Clinic. (2022, November 24). Postpartum depression. Mayo Clinic.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617

National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Perinatal depression.
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/perinatal-depression

Office on Women’s Health. (2023, October 17). Postpartum depression. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/postpartum-depression

By Maya Bunik, MD, MPH

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    Side-Lying Hold

    1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
    2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
    3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
    4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
    5. Reverse for the left breast.

    This hold is useful when:

    • You had a C-section
    • You want to rest while baby feeds
    • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
    • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
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    Cross-Cradle Hold

    1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
    2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
    3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
    4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
    5. Reverse for the left breast.

    This hold is useful when:

    • Your baby is premature
    • Your baby has a weak suck
    • Your baby needs help to stay latched
    • Your baby needs extra head support
    • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
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    Clutch or “Football” Hold

    1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
    2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
    3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
    4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
    5. Reverse for the left breast.

    This hold is useful when:

    • You had a C-section
    • You have large breasts
    • You have flat or inverted nipples
    • You have a strong milk let-down
    • You are breastfeeding twins
    • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
    • Your baby has reflux
    • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
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    Cradle Hold

    1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
    2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
    3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
    4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
    5. Reverse for the left breast.

    This hold is useful when:

    • Your baby needs help latching on
    • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
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    Laid-Back Hold

    1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
    2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
    3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

    This hold is useful when:

    • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
    • You have a strong milk let-down
    • You have large breasts
    • You and your baby are comfortable in this position