Key takeaways: Postpartum anxiety involves constant, hard-to-control worry, racing thoughts, and physical symptoms like a racing heart or trouble sleeping even when the baby sleeps. It’s common and treatable with therapy, support, and sometimes medication that’s compatible with breastfeeding. Call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) any time.
Some worry is normal with a new baby. Postpartum anxiety is more intense and gets in the way of daily life.
Symptoms
- Constant worry that’s hard to turn off.
- Racing thoughts.
- Feeling on edge or irritable.
- Trouble sleeping, even when the baby is asleep.
- Physical symptoms: racing heart, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, tense muscles.
- Panic attacks.
- Checking on the baby over and over.
- Avoiding situations out of fear.
Normal Worry vs. Anxiety
Normal worry comes and goes and doesn’t stop you from functioning.
Postpartum anxiety is persistent, intense, and interferes with sleep, eating, or enjoying your baby.
Who’s at Higher Risk
- Personal or family history of anxiety or depression.
- A difficult pregnancy or birth.
- A baby in the NICU.
- Previous pregnancy loss.
- Lack of support.
- Thyroid problems (which can cause anxiety symptoms).
Screening
ACOG recommends screening for anxiety and depression during pregnancy and after birth, including at postpartum visits. Pediatricians may also screen at your baby’s checkups.
Treatment
- Therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
- Medication: some SSRIs are considered compatible with breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor.
- Support: partners, family, peer support groups.
- Sleep: protecting a stretch of sleep helps.
- Exercise and time outdoors.
Getting Help
- National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262), 24/7, free and confidential.
- Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773, and online support groups at postpartum.net.
- Your OB, midwife, or primary care provider.
Call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or call 911 if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, or feel unable to keep yourself or your baby safe.
The Bottom Line
Postpartum anxiety is common and treatable. You deserve support. Reach out to your provider or a hotline today.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Clinical Practice Guideline No. 4: Screening and diagnosis of mental health conditions during pregnancy and postpartum. Obstet Gynecol. 2023;141(6):1232-1261.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Clinical Practice Guideline No. 5: Treatment and management of mental health conditions during pregnancy and postpartum. Obstet Gynecol. 2023;141(6):1262-1288.
- Health Resources and Services Administration. National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline
- Postpartum Support International. https://www.postpartum.net
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
