[Post-partum blues: a critical review of the literature]

Abstract

The abundant literature dealing with the post partum blues has failed to describe a possible causing factor in these emotional and physical manifestations which are frequently observed in mothers during the first few days following delivery. The post partum blues has been considered as a promising model for depressive states but its function has never been clearly established. No agreement has been reached as to its physiological mechanism. Presently there is a renewed interest for the "third day blues" in relation to post-birth depression, which is known to be frequent, and to the early interactions. The authors present a review of the literature and emphasize the necessity to approach this issue from a new standpoint and with new conceptual and measurement tools. The role of post partum blues could well be, through a biological process involving the dopamine, to facilitate the establishment of early mother-infant bonds by provoking a decrease in blunted affect.