Ep 252. Postpartum Series: Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression?

You've prepared for the birth, the nursery and the hospital bag, yet hardly anyone prepares you for what happens to your mental health after birth. If the tears, the worry or the heaviness have stayed longer than you expected, there's a reason behind it. Understanding what's happening is the first step to feeling supported, and you deserve that support early. Baby blues, postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression can feel similar in the middle of a sleepless night, yet each one calls for a different kind of care. Knowing the difference helps you, or someone you love, reach out sooner. In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White sits down with Frances Bilbao, clinical psychologist and founder of Mums Matter Psychology, to unpack what's happening in your body and mind during the early postpartum weeks and how to protect your postpartum mental health. Together they explore how baby blues, postpartum depression and anxiety differ, the early signs that are easy to miss, and practical ways to ask for support. This is Part 2 of the Postpartum Series. You'll Hear About: Why baby blues happen and when they ease How postpartum depression and anxiety can look different Why so many mums delay asking for support What to put in place before baby arrives How self-compassion makes asking for help easier Whatever this season looks like for you, support is there, and reaching out is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself and your baby. You're enough, and you deserve to feel held through it. Send it to a mum, partner or friend who could use a gentle nudge to reach out. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Part 2 of the Postpartum Series 03:26 Meet Frances Bilbao 07:06 What new mums struggle with most 13:43 Baby blues and your hormones 17:06 Postpartum depression and anxiety 21:15 Why mums put off getting help 26:16 Preparing for postpartum before birth 31:42 Asking for help and self-compassion 34:58 Medication, breastfeeding and your first step 37:52 A final message for mums Resources & Links Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ Connect with Renee on LinkedIn: Renee White Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies Connect with Frances Bilbao Website: mumsmatterpsychology.com Instagram: @mumsmatterpsychology PANDA National Helpline: 1300 726 306 This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth. Disclaimer The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.