UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MINDANAO

Perceive effects of baby blues on infant care, growth and development

Kristine Mae C. Villadarez

1 Midwifery A

Purposive Communication

Princess Fairuz Kale K. Mangoba

 Introduction

Baby blues are feelings of sadness that you may have in the first few days after

having a baby. Up to 4 in 5 new parents (80 percent) have the baby blues. It can

affect new parents of any race, age, income, culture or education level. You are not

to blame for how you feel. Feeling “blue” does not mean you did anything wrong. The

baby blues may result from hormonal changes that take place after birth. Mood

swings are brought on by an abrupt drop in estrogen and progesterone levels after

delivery. Some people may have a sudden decline in thyroid hormone production,

which may leave them feeling exhausted and down. These sensations might be

exacerbated by getting insufficient sleep and eating poorly. Another potential reason

for the baby blues is emotional problems. You can feel anxious about raising your

newborn or concerned about how your life has changed as a result. You might

become sad or melancholy as a result of these ideas. (Henry, 2005)

Most new mothers begin to exhibit signs of mood disturbances, sometimes known as

baby blues, within days of giving birth. Baby blues is thought to be a physiological

state possibly linked to biological changes due to the prevalence of this illness.

According to several studies, there is a connection between postpartum mood

disorder and the severity of the baby blues. As a result, it seems crucial to discuss

and report on the condition's clinical history in more detail. The purpose of this study

was to identify the symptoms of the baby blues from fundamental dimensions in

mood disorders and to show that there may be a relationship between the severity of

the baby blues and some particular parameters such maternal self-esteem, maternal

childcare stress, and social background. (Roux D., Swendsen J., 2008)
The intensity of the baby blues appears to be controlled by psychological factors

rather than being a physiological process. As a result, study found that the intensity

of the baby blues was significantly influenced by the loss of self-esteem that comes

with motherhood and the rise in stress associated with caring for the newborn.

Additionally, this study's findings regarding clinical traits suggest that hypomania

rather than depressive syndrome is more likely to be the cause of the infant blues. In

predisposed women, this non-pathological condition could be the precursor of a

puerperal psychosis, which is primarily marked by manic symptoms. (Dallay D.,

2005)

After the birth of their child, some women battle with feelings of disappointment.

Others experience exhaustion due to lack of sleep. The first few weeks following

giving birth are typically the most emotional and irritable for new mothers. Up to 85%

of new parents experience these emotions, which are collectively referred to as the

"baby blues" or "postpartum blues," and they are all natural. Immediately following a

baby's birth, the blues can continue for up to two weeks. Many women endure

weariness from lack of sleep or insomnia in addition to sadness. Additionally, you

can feel agitated, uneasy, or concerned due to the enormous responsibility you have

for this new life. A significant decline in hormone levels after birth causes your body

to shift quickly.

A precocious psychological impairment known as the baby blues may appear during

the first two weeks after delivery. It is seen as a trigger for more severe postpartum

psychiatric illnesses and occasionally a decompensation for them. It is also

dangerous since it puts newborns, who would ordinarily be highly dependent on

mother connection, at risk for abnormal psycho-affective development. The

psychology, clinical manifestations, and interactions of the syndrome with other

prenatal disorders have all been better understood, but the therapy of the condition

is still poorly understood.

There seems to be a mismatch between the need for medication or psychotherapy

and the requirement for simple observation and monitoring. The hazy distinction

between basic baby blues, which is milder, and severe baby blues with early and late

consequences, which are occasionally ignored, maintains this. While in some

situations, action may be required to avert negative results for the affected women

and their infants. (Fanmi and Albane 2012).

 Objectives

● To understand the effects of baby blues on the infant and the mother.

● To identify the signs of baby blues after pregnancy.

● To prevent baby blues from occurring and enhance the quality of life for mothers

who suffer from it.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the effects of baby blue on the infant care, growth and

development. It seeks to answer the following questions:

A. What are the effects of baby blues on mother and infants care, growth and

development?

B. What are the impacts does baby blues have on a mother's mood swing?

C. What coping strategies does the mother use to deal with the impacts of baby

blues after giving birth?

 Significance of the Study

Even now and then mother’s are experiencing the baby blues. In this times it

affects the mother’s mental health because of the stress that they have during

and after the pregnancy. Moreover Baby Blues can lead to several health

issues such as changing of mood swings. Baby Blues start times create

excessive burdens on the fragile body of a mother. Baby Blues increases the

risk of pressure on pregnant woman.

Mothers- This study will help the mothers to understand the effects of baby

blues, what is it all about, and how they can cope up baby blues, and also

this study will assist the Mothers on how they can manage the Baby Blues

after pregnancy.

Family- The findings of this study will help the family members provide

information and to be aware about the effects of baby blues on infant care,

growth and development. This study help the mothers to be taken care by

their loved ones especially his husband.

 Review of Related Literature

Effects of baby blue syndrome on mother and infants care

The baby blues, which commonly affect infants after giving birth of a mother are

mood symptoms that appear two to three days after giving birth, peak on the fifth

day, and disappear within two weeks. It can affect the infants growth and care due to

a mother’s mood swings. Changes of mood swings of a mother can affect how she

care her baby and affect how it should be properly care. Also can cause

considerable disruption for the infant and to the family. 30-80% of women experience

the temporary ailment known as postpartum blues or baby blues after giving birth. It

can affect new parents of any race, age, income, culture or education level. (Jones

2014)

A Female goes through a lot of hormonal, physical, emotional, and psychological

changes throughout pregnancy. Tremendous changes occur in the mother's familial

and interpersonal world, that may cause changes on her mood swings that may lead

to a stress and have a negative mind causes her baby to not care properly and not

giving a proper comfort and security. Negative attitude towards the baby, Due to the

frequency of this condition, baby blues is considered as a physiological state

probably associated to biological modifications. (Dallay, 2005)

Baby blue causes the stress in relation with the care of the baby. The primary clinical

feature of the baby blues appears to be caused by a heightened emotional response

accompanied by acute feelings, which results in liability rather than an affective sad

tone. The baby blues appear to be a physiological process, with psychological

factors influencing the intensity. As a result, the intensity of the baby blues appeared

to be significantly influenced by the decline in self-esteem that comes with

motherhood and the rise in stress related to caring for the baby. The clinical traits

discovered in this study also suggest that the newborn blues are more closely

related to hypomania than to depressive syndrome. This non-pathological state,

which is mostly marked by manic symptoms in susceptible women, may be the

precursor to a puerperal psychosis. (J Disord, 1997)

Baby blues is an association of mild mood symptoms (mood lability, crying,

depressive mood or elation, confusion, irritability). For most women this

symptomatology vanishes in a few hours. Sometimes, however, the intensity and the

longer duration of post-partum blues tend to indicate a syndrome linked to the

spectrum of depressive illness (O'Hara et al., 1991).

Baby blues unless persistent, and emotional stress during delivery and

the dilemma in meeting the demands of infant care. Baby Blues, if experienced by

the mother, are explained by doctors as being rooted in the “depression” of the

hormones of pregnancy following the birth. Their onset may also partly be the result

of stress in the new mother now that she has absolute responsibility for the new

child. The new mother may also be stressed regarding the role change from being a

pregnant moms to having born a child. Inevitably, the hormones of stress may be

tied to the hormones of pregnancy (Mcrae, 2010)

Baby blues effects on a mother's mood fluctuation

The mildest manifestation of postpartum mood disorder is adjustment reaction with

depressed mood. This temporary mood disturbance is known as "postpartum blues"

or "baby blues." After childbirth, mothers experience an emotional letdown, as well

as physical discomfort, fatigue, and uncertainty about their maternal role. Mothers

frequently experience feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, fatigue, sensitivity, and

irritability. Although postpartum blues is classified as an adjustment reaction with a

depressed mood, it occurs frequently in new mothers and does not necessitate

medical treatment. Mothers can usually recover from postpartum blues with help with

self and infant care, family support, peer support, rest, and healthy nutrition.

(McKelvey, 2018)

Immediately following childbirth, the majority of women experience at least some

symptoms of the baby blues. The sudden change in hormones after delivery,

combined with stress, isolation, sleep deprivation, and fatigue, causes it. You may

become more tearful, overwhelmed, and emotionally vulnerable. This will typically

begin within the first few days after delivery, peak around one week, and then taper

off by the end of the second week postpartum. The baby blues are completely

normal, but if your symptoms persist or worsen after a few weeks, you may be

suffering from postpartum depression. (Smith, M.A. and Segal, Ph.D, 2022)

After their baby is born, up to 70% of mothers experience postnatal depressive

mood, also known as baby blues. According to studies, this can also have an impact

on the children's development and speech. However, it was previously unknown how

this impairment manifests itself in infants' early language development. It searched at

how well babies distinguish between speech sounds based on their mother's mood.
This ability is regarded as a necessary prerequisite for progressing toward a well-

developed language. Individual words can be distinguished from one another if

sounds can be distinguished from one another. It was discovered that if mothers

have a more negative mood two months after birth, their children have a less mature

processing of speech sounds at six months. The infants had the most difficulty

distinguishing between syllable pitches. They demonstrated that the development of

their so-called Mismatch Response was delayed in comparison to those whose

mothers were in a more positive mood. (Schaadt, 2022)

Many women experience the baby blues after giving birth. If you have the baby

blues, you may experience mood swings, sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm, crying

spells, loss of appetite, or difficulty sleeping. The baby blues usually pass in a few

days or a week. The symptoms are not severe and do not necessitate medical

attention. The baby blues can also be caused by a lack of sleep, relationship

problems, or stress. Male partners may also experience the baby blues as a result of

hormonal changes during and after the baby's birth. In new fathers, testosterone

levels may fall while estrogen levels may rise. Cortisol, vasopressin, and prolactin

levels may rise as well. All of these hormonal changes have the potential to cause

depression. (Dimes, 2022)

A lack of sleep, relationship problems, or stress can also contribute to the baby

blues. As a result of hormonal changes during and after the baby's birth, male

partners may also experience the baby blues. Testosterone levels in new fathers

may fall while estrogen levels rise. Levels of cortisol, oppressiveness, and prolactin

may also rise. All of these hormonal shifts have the potential to lead to depression.

(Coli and Morris, 2022)

Coping strategies of the mother to deal with the impacts of baby blue

syndrome

The baby blues are a common part of many new parents’ transition to life with baby.

Fortunately, they usually go away on their own soon after birth. Mother’s should

contact a family member, trusted friend, or healthcare provider immediately. The

baby blues are normal and temporary. The only treatment required by mothers

suffering from baby blues is reassurance. One of its manifestations is a support

system from those in the mother's immediate surroundings. Communication with

husband is the type of support discussed in this study. (Herman, & Eva Lina Wati,

2019).

Family members can encourage the mother to talk with a health care provider, offer

emotional support, and assist with daily tasks such as caring for the baby or the

home. Get as much sleep as you can. Ask for help from your partner, family and

friends. Mother’s exactly do a food shopping or watching the baby while you shower

or sleep.Taking time on their own self can also making them calm. Getting some

sunshine can help also to reduce the stress. (Stevens , 2010)

Skip the housework and prioritize yourself and your baby. Allow yourself to focus on

yourself and your baby there is more work involved in this 24/7 job than in a full-time

job. Reintroduce exercise gradually. Exercise has been shown in studies to be just

as effective as medication in treating depression, so the sooner you get back up and

moving, the better. There's no need to overdo it: a 30-minute walk every day will

suffice. Yoga-style stretching exercises have been shown to be particularly effective.

( Ebailey. 2021)
Try mindfulness meditation. Meditation has been shown in studies to make people

feel calmer and more energized. It can also assist you in becoming more aware of

what you require and how you feel. Don't shortchange yourself on sleep. When you

have a newborn, a full eight hours of sleep may seem like an unattainable luxury, but

lack of sleep worsens depression (Goeser et al., 2008) .

Do everything you can to get enough rest, from enlisting the assistance of your

partner or family members to taking naps when you can. Make time for yourself to

relax and unwind from your mothering duties. Consider taking a bubble bath,

savoring a hot cup of tea, or lighting scented candles to pamper yourself. To cope up

with this mother’s should get a massage and relax their selves to meditate. (Lise M.,

2010).
 Methodology

In this section it includes the description of general means through which the goals

of the study will be achieved: Research Design, Sampling Technique,

Respondents, Instrumentation and Statistical Treatment.

Research Design

This study used a quantitative approach in descriptive research design utilizing

survey methods in determining the effects of baby blues on infant care, growth and

development. This aims to have accurately, systematically described and analyzed

the total population and more specifically what, when and how questions that were

conducted in the study. This approach surveys the pregnant mothers at Davao

Doctors Hospital who were applicable to the said study.

Respondents

This study used the Pregnant mothers at Davao Doctors Hospital Davao City as the

said respondents. The researcher will conduct online survey to every pregnant

mother at Davao Doctors Hospital. The population will cover the pregnant mothers at

Davao Doctors Hospital.

 Sample Size & Sampling Technique

The number of pregnant mothers include in this research are the population at the

Davao Doctors Hospital only. I will use a purposive sampling technique and

conduct a survey to the respondents to determine the effects of baby blues on the

pregnant mothers. The survey will be given to them and answer the following

questions related to this study. The population is selected at Davao Doctors

Hospital.

Instrumentation

The researcher will use a Google form questionnaire to measure the respondent’s

agreement with various statement from the gathered data from the selected

respondent’s. The questionnaire will consist of four parts. In the first part the

respondents were asked about their demographic profile: name, age, and

occupation. The second and third part of the questionnaire consist of statements

about pregnant mothers affected of baby blues after the pregnancy which they will

answer by choosing: strongly agree, agree, disagree and strongly disagree. In the

fourth part the questionnaire will have assumed statements with four point likert

scale to answer: how does pregnant mothers cope up. The set has a ranging scale

from one as always, two as most of the time, three as sometimes, and four as

never.
 Statistical Treatment

The researcher will analyze the answers of the participants and will code the data

afterward. Descriptive statistical analysis will be utilized by the researchers to

predict the impact of baby blues on mothers during and after the pregnancy, and

the effect of baby blues on infants and coping mechanism of pregnant mothers.