Maternity Blues (Postpartum Syndrome) Emotions, expectations, future plans and living arrangements change with motherhood. The changes and responsibilities experienced during this period of assuming a new role in life may cause complex emotions, unrest and anxiety. These emotional changes experienced during the first two weeks after birth are called “puerperal syndrome”, also known as “motherhood blues”. If the effects of puerperal syndrome, which is considered a natural part of the process, last longer than two weeks, it is necessary to seek psychological support. What is puerperal syndrome? Pregnancy and puerperium are, by their nature, periods dedicated to changes. While some women adapt to the changes that come with birth, some may experience difficulties during this period due to the uniqueness of the process. In addition, the first year after childbirth is considered a very risky period in terms of psychiatric diseases. Maternity syndrome, also known as motherhood blues, is considered a phenomenon that is generally triggered by hormonal changes and increases in severity due to insomnia, nutritional problems, and the stress of being a new mother. What are the symptoms of puerperal syndrome? • Crying, • Hypersensitivity to criticism, • Tiredness, • Depression, • Reluctance, • Rapid changes in mood, • Sleeping disorders, • Anxiety, • Restlessness is one of the most common symptoms of puerperal syndrome. What are the causes of puerperal syndrome? The risk factors of puerperal syndrome are not known for certain. But as a result of research, it has been observed that hormonal changes, family members or the mother’s history of mood disorders, relationship problems between spouses, lack of social support, economic problems and other stress factors are effective in the emergence of puerperal syndrome. When does puerperal syndrome occur? How much will it take? Postpartum syndrome begins on the 3rd and 4th day following birth and shows its effects with mild symptoms. Since the symptoms are generally mild, intervention may not be required, and the syndrome’s effect will decrease within two weeks. However, puerperal syndrome may be a precursor to postpartum depression in women with a history of mood disorders. Therefore, if the symptoms do not disappear or continue 2 weeks after birth, specialist support should be sought. How to deal with puerperal syndrome? Mothers experiencing puerperal syndrome; they should be supported by their families and healthcare personnel and informed about how to deal with this problem. In addition, deficiencies in knowledge regarding baby care should be identified, and awareness should be raised on this issue. At the same time, psychotherapeutic interventions such as emotional and social support are very useful in overcoming this process. Explaining to the mother and her family that postpartum syndrome is a natural part of the process and strengthening the mother’s social support systems is usually sufficient. It should not be forgotten that the effects of puerperal syndrome lasting more than 2 weeks is a medical process that requires treatment. Individual, marital, family and group psychotherapies should focus on the transition to motherhood in order to prevent postpartum depression, especially for women with a history of mood disorders and who will experience motherhood for the first time. The mother’s marital relationship and sociocultural expectations should be taken into consideration and a social support network should be created. The participation of spouses in the treatment plan should not be neglected. What are the duties of spouses and relatives in postpartum syndrome? In order to support women experiencing motherhood blues or postpartum syndrome, paying attention to emotional communication, listening to them, helping to care for the baby, sharing the responsibility of the mother and providing support to alleviate her responsibility, and ensuring that she can spare time for herself are essential steps.