The baby blues: When your emotions go on a rollercoaster ride after giving birth
Inge Werner
October 5, 2026
6 min
In the first few days after giving birth, many mothers experience a rollercoaster of emotions. Joy and happiness can alternate with exhaustion, uncertainty or tears. This temporary dip in mood is known as the ‘baby blues’. Inge Werner, a breastfeeding counsellor at the Maternité in the Women’s Clinic at Zollikerberg Hospital, explains what lies behind it, what helps during this phase and the important role partners play in it.
What is the ‘baby blues’ and how common is this condition?
The birth of a child brings about major physical and emotional changes. After the birth, a mother’s hormone levels shift dramatically within a short space of time. This hormonal change can cause mothers to suddenly feel sad, sensitive, irritable or overwhelmed – even whilst feeling immense joy at the arrival of their baby.
The baby blues is a normal, temporary dip in mood following childbirth and is a common experience for many mothers during the first few days of the postnatal period.
At the same time, something positive is happening in the body: for breastfeeding mothers, milk production usually increases significantly during this period. As a result, the breasts may feel fuller and more tender. The body is therefore adapting on various levels to the new situation and to feeding the baby.
It is important to know that the baby blues will pass. It usually lasts only a few days and should subside within two weeks at the latest.
How do the baby blues manifest themselves?
Emotions can fluctuate wildly within a short space of time. Joy and happiness are suddenly accompanied by sadness, insecurity or feeling overwhelmed. Some mothers find themselves crying for no apparent reason, or feel more sensitive or irritable than usual. This is often accompanied by tiredness and exhaustion – after all, the first few days with a newborn are physically very demanding.
For many mothers, it is a relief simply to know that these feelings are normal and that they are not alone in experiencing them.
How do you support mothers experiencing the baby blues in the maternity ward?
We take the mothers’ feelings seriously and give them space. Conversations and respectful, supportive communication can help them to talk about their fears, uncertainties and the many new experiences they are facing. It’s perfectly fine to cry – it’s completely normal. At the same time, we help the mother build a close bond with her baby – for example, through bonding. Rest and relaxation are just as important. Especially during this phase, mothers don’t have to do everything on their own.
That is why we deliberately involve partners or other close carers. They can take on tasks, look after the baby and thereby allow the mother important moments of rest. As a complementary care method, we also offer aromatherapy on the maternity ward.
Mental health is also a natural part of our care. This is because uncertainties, emotional stress and conflicting feelings are a normal part of the period around childbirth for many women. Our Centre for Mental Health is a collaboration between Zollikerberg Hospital and the Hohenegg Private Clinic. Here, experienced psychotherapists and psychiatrists work closely with our treatment team to support mothers not only when facing significant psychological distress, but also with everyday emotional challenges.
What role do partners play in the ‘baby blues’?
A very important one. The partner is often the mother’s closest confidant, knows her particularly well and often knows what is good for her. Especially when emotions are on a rollercoaster ride, this trusted person can provide reassurance, offer support and spot changes early on.
It’s not about ‘making the baby blues go away’ or finding a solution for every feeling. It’s much more important to be there, to listen and to offer practical support in everyday life.
Four things partners can do
- Listen actively: Let the mother talk about what’s on her mind – without immediately offering advice or solutions. Just be there for her worries, insecurities and tears of joy.
- Offer positive reinforcement: Especially when self-doubt creeps in, encouraging words can make a big difference. Tell her what she’s doing well, show her you trust her, and let her know she doesn’t have to do everything perfectly.
- Support and be there: Sometimes no words are needed. A hug, physical closeness or simply getting through a difficult moment together can convey a sense of security and comfort.
- Co-ordinating visits: Family and friends are delighted to see the baby – but for the new parents, too many visitors can be exhausting. Partners can play an important protective role here: co-ordinating visits and, when necessary, politely saying ‘no’ to ensure there is enough peace and quiet.
What advice would you give to mums and families for those first few weeks at home?
Give yourself time to settle into your new situation. Nobody has to have everything under control from day one. Set yourself realistic expectations and focus on what’s best for you and your family right now.
Accept support from your partner, your family and friends, and make a conscious effort to take time to rest. A community midwife or nurse can also provide guidance and support at home after you’ve been discharged from hospital.
At the same time, it is important to stay in touch with your own feelings. If your low mood lasts for more than two weeks, becomes more severe, or if you feel you are struggling to cope with everyday life, you should seek professional help. This could be a sign of postnatal depression or another mental health issue, which should be assessed by a specialist. Even after the birth, the specialists at our Mental Health Centre are on hand to support you if needed – whether you’re feeling uncertain, under emotional strain or require further support.
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