What Is the Difference Between Baby Blues and Postpartum Burnout?

Baby blues are temporary mood changes driven by hormonal fluctuations following childbirth, while burnout is a long-lasting state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion triggered by prolonged stress.

How long do baby blues last?

Usually, baby blues start within days of giving birth and last for two weeks without medical intervention.

Am I not a good mum if I feel overwhelmed?

Not at all. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when taking on new responsibilities. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Baby Blues vs. Burnout: How to Ask for Help When You’re Overwhelmed

The postnatal period is often described as a beautiful mess, and well, it is. Motherhood, from the outside, looks like cuddles, tiny yawns and heart-melting firsts. But from the inside, it can feel like a haze of confusion, exhaustion and feelings you didn’t know you had. For a lot of new mums, there’s a low-level sense of “something’s off”, but how do you ask for help when you can’t even say what that “something” is?

Let’s unpack what it means to be stuck between the baby blues and flat-out burnout, why both deserve your attention and how to articulate what you need when words fail you.

Motherhood is basically one long installation of giving to your baby, your partner, and your home. But you can’t pour from an empty cup. Be it baby blues, burnout or something in between, your feelings are valid and deserve attention.

You do not need a label, a diagnosis or a breaking point to explain why you need rest, love and care.
So if you’ve been quietly thinking, “This is hard”, that will do. Start there. And allow the assistance to come to you.

FAQs

What Is the Difference Between Baby Blues and Postpartum Burnout?
Baby blues are temporary mood changes driven by hormonal fluctuations following childbirth, while burnout is a long-lasting state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion triggered by prolonged stress.
How long do baby blues last?
Usually, baby blues start within days of giving birth and last for two weeks without medical intervention.
Am I not a good mum if I feel overwhelmed?
Not at all. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when taking on new responsibilities. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.