New Mom Mental Health and Baby Blues: AKA “Why Am I Crying While Eating a Muffin?”

You expected baby poo. You expected sleep loss. You maybe even expected that your body would feel like it went through a meat grinder.

But did anyone warn you that new motherhood might also come with an emotional crash so intense you’d be sobbing into your toast while your baby snoozes peacefully beside you and your husband wrings his hands and hovers?

Yeah. Me neither.

Welcome to the Emotional Rollercoaster. Please Keep Your Arms and Legs Inside at All Times.

Here’s the thing no one prints on the baby shower invites (or maybe they do now because I hear more people are talking about baby blues): New motherhood is hard as the poop deck on a shiny boat.

In those first days postpartum, your body goes through a hormonal free-fall that would make a teenage boy look emotionally stable. You’re healing, leaking from multiple locations, and trying to take care of a human who doesn’t speak your language, can’t smile yet, and communicates exclusively by screaming.

And somehow, there’s pressure to feel grateful and glowy through all of it.

You’re Not Broken—You’re Just in the Middle of a Major Transition

Let’s talk about the baby blues. Up to 80% of new moms experience weepiness, mood swings, irritability, or that classic “I love this baby but also WHAT IS HAPPENING” feeling in the first couple weeks.

Totally normal. Blame hormones. And the fact that no one was ever meant to survive on 90-minute sleep cycles and stale granola bars.

Usually, these blues fade on their own. But when they don’t? That’s when we’re talking about something more.

When It’s More Than Just a Bad Day

If your sadness lingers or deepens after two weeks, you might be facing postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety.

It can look like:

• Feeling numb or detached (like you’re watching life happen through a window)
• Being unable to sleep—even when your baby miraculously is
• Feeling constantly on edge, like your brain just won’t stop running in circles
• Feeling like a bad mom, even though you’re giving your all

Let me say this loud and clear: You are not broken. And you are not to blame.

It’s a Common Complication, Not a Character Flaw

Postpartum depression and anxiety are the most common complications of childbirth. But because they don’t always show up with neon signs or dramatic music, a lot of moms suffer quietly.

Some are afraid to speak up. Some don’t want to be judged. Some think, I should just be stronger. Nope. Nopety Nope Nope to all of that.

What Helps (And No, It’s Not Just Bubble Baths and Inspirational Quotes)

💬 Speak it out loud. Tell a friend, your partner, your OB, a therapist. Just saying, “I don’t feel like myself” is powerful.

🍲 Nourish yourself like you matter. Not fancy. Just real meals, real rest (when you can), and hydration that isn’t just coffee.

🧡 Be gentle with yourself. You would never tell another mama she’s weak for struggling. So why do it to yourself?

📖 Remember your faith: Romans 8:1 says, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” That means your struggles don’t separate you from love. Not God’s. Not your baby’s. Not mine either.

Want a Soft Landing Place? I’ve Got One.

The Newborn Success Podclass is here for your real, messy, beautiful early motherhood journey.
Short episodes. Real talk. No judgment.

🎧 [Join here]—and this week, get a free Mental Health Quick-Check for Moms to help you tune in to how you’re really doing, and when to reach out for more support.

Because you shouldn’t have to fake a smile while crying inside. And you were never meant to do this alone.