What Is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common and can occur during pregnancy or within the first year after having a baby. While many new parents experience the “baby blues” in the early weeks, postpartum depression lasts longer and can significantly affect mood, energy, and daily functioning.
Common Signs of Postpartum Depression
Symptoms may include:
Persistent sadness or low mood
Anxiety or constant worry
Feeling overwhelmed or irritable
Difficulty sleeping or resting
Loss of interest in activities
Feeling disconnected from your baby
Guilt or feeling like you’re not doing enough
If these symptoms last more than two weeks or begin interfering with daily life, it may be helpful to speak with a mental health professional.
When to Seek Support
Postpartum depression is common and treatable. Therapy can provide a supportive space to process emotions, learn coping tools, and feel more grounded during the transition to parenthood.
Reaching out for support is an important step toward feeling better and caring for both yourself and your baby.
Is It Normal to Feel Anxious During a Healthy Pregnancy?
Yes. Feeling anxious during a healthy pregnancy is very common, even when all medical tests are normal and appointments go smoothly. Many people experience worry between visits, difficulty relaxing, or a sense of waiting for something to go wrong. These feelings are a normal response to the uncertainty and changes of pregnancy.
Pregnancy anxiety can be triggered by many factors:
Fear of loss or complications
Previous infertility or pregnancy loss
Shifts in hormones and physical changes
Lack of sleep or pregnancy symptoms
Increased responsibilities and life transitions
Anticipation of parenthood or changes in identity
Even in a healthy pregnancy, these worries are valid. Reassurance may help briefly, but anxiety often returns, which is why support can be valuable.
Gentle Ways to Support Yourself During Pregnancy Anxiety
Here are practical ways to manage anxiety while honoring your emotions:
Limit reassurance-seeking or excessive online research
Bring attention to the present moment - when thoughts focus on “what if” scenarios
Create grounding rituals like mindful breathing, taking breaks or short walks
Acknowledge mixed emotions without judging yourself
Talk to someone who understands pregnancy-related anxiety
How Therapy Can Help During a Healthy Pregnancy
Therapy during pregnancy can help you:
Manage ongoing anxiety and worry
Process fear and uncertainty without pressure to stay positive
Strengthen coping skills for emotional ups and downs
Feel more grounded and connected to your body
Even when a pregnancy is medically healthy, therapy can provide a safe space to talk, normalize your feelings, and build emotional resilience.
When to Reach Out for Support
If pregnancy anxiety is taking up mental space, affecting sleep, or making it harder to enjoy everyday moments, therapy can be a helpful and proactive form of support. You don’t have to wait until it feels overwhelming—support is valuable at any stage of pregnancy.
When Is the Best Time to Start Therapy During Pregnancy or Postpartum?
There’s No “Wrong” Time to Start
You don’t have to wait until anxiety or stress feels overwhelming. Therapy during pregnancy or postpartum can help you:
Manage pregnancy- or postpartum-related anxiety
Process fears, grief, or past pregnancy experiences
Build coping strategies for birth and early parenthood
Feel more grounded and supported through life changes
During Pregnancy
Even in a healthy pregnancy, therapy can support you through:
Worry between appointments or tests
Prior loss or infertility experiences
Preparing emotionally for birth and parenthood
Many clients start therapy in the second trimester, but support is valuable anytime.
During Postpartum
The weeks after birth can bring unexpected challenges, including:
Postpartum anxiety or depression
Difficulty adjusting to new routines
Feeling isolated or disconnected
Therapy can help you process emotions, develop coping strategies, and navigate this transition.
Signs It Might Be Time to Reach Out
Anxiety or worry interfering with daily life
Persistent sadness, irritability, or guilt
Feeling disconnected from yourself or your baby
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
Even small concerns are valid reasons to seek support.
The best time to start therapy is whenever you notice a need or feel ready. Having support during pregnancy and postpartum can help you feel more balanced, confident, and grounded.
Why Out-of-Network Therapy Might Be More Affordable Than You Think
When people see “out-of-network,” they often assume therapy will be too expensive. But in reality, using an out-of-network (OON) therapist can sometimes be surprisingly affordable. Here’s why:
Insurance Reimbursement: Many plans reimburse a large portion of OON therapy costs after you meet your deductible.
Fewer Limitations: OON therapists aren’t bound by the same restrictions insurance companies place on in-network care, which often means longer sessions and more personalized support.
Health Savings Accounts (HSA/FSA): You can often use pre-tax dollars to pay for therapy, lowering your overall cost.
Before ruling it out, check your benefits—you may find that OON therapy costs about the same (or even less) than you expected.
How Partners Can Support Moms with Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) can feel overwhelming, but a partner’s support makes a big difference. Here are simple ways to help:
Listen without judgment – Be present and let her share feelings.
Encourage rest – Handle baby care or encourage naps when possible.
Take on tasks - help prepare meals/snacks, cleaning, laundry, etc
Validate her experience – postpartum is hard!
Support therapy – Encourage professional help and join her if possible.
Care for yourself – Your well-being matters too.
Small acts of care—whether listening or helping with daily tasks—can make recovery feel lighter. If your family is navigating PPD, therapy can help both mom and partner find relief.
Maternal Gatekeeping: What It Is & How to Find Balance
Becoming a parent changes everything…. your routines, relationships, and identity. Many new moms want to give their baby the very best, which sometimes leads to maternal gatekeeping — controlling or limiting a partner’s involvement in caregiving.
What Is Maternal Gatekeeping?
Maternal gatekeeping happens when a mom:
Redoes tasks after her partner (e.g., re-dressing the baby, folding the laundry a certain way)
Gives constant instructions or corrections
Takes on most caregiving even when help is available
This often comes from love, worry, or wanting things done “right,” but it can leave moms burnt out and partners feeling left out.
Why It Happens
Maternal gatekeeping can stem from:
Anxiety or perfectionism — wanting to protect the baby
Cultural pressure — feeling you “should” do it all (social media doesn’t help)
Lack of trust or confidence in a partner’s skills
Why Balance Matters
When both parents are involved:
Babies build strong bonds with both caregivers
Moms experience less stress and more rest
Couples feel more connected
Tips to Reduce Gatekeeping
Pause before stepping in — let your partner try their way (this can be hard!)
Show appreciation for effort, not just results
Talk openly about expectations and divide tasks together
Ask for help when you need it
Sources & References
American Psychological Association (APA) — Fathers’ Involvement and Maternal Gatekeeping
https://www.apa.org/pi/families/resources/newsletter/2010/12/gatekeepingSchoppe-Sullivan, S. J., et al. (2008). Maternal gatekeeping, coparenting quality, and father involvement. Journal of Family Psychology, 22(2), 389–398.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18855510/Allen, S. M., & Hawkins, A. J. (1999). Maternal gatekeeping: Mothers’ beliefs and behaviors that inhibit greater father involvement in family work. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 61(1), 199–212.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/353894Postpartum Support International (PSI) — Resources for postpartum mental health
https://www.postpartum.net
What Is “Mom Brain”? Understanding the Mental Fog After Baby
If you’ve had a baby and feel forgetful, distracted, or mentally foggy, you’re not imagining it — you might be experiencing what many call “mom brain.” I personally have had it..twice! It does get better.
Also known as “baby brain” or “pregnancy brain,” this term describes the memory lapses and mental fatigue many new parents experience during pregnancy and postpartum.
Why Mom Brain Happens
Research suggests “mom brain” is real and normal. After birth, your brain goes through major changes to support bonding and caregiving. At the same time, the lack of sleep, hormonal shifts, and emotional stress can make it harder to concentrate and remember things.
Common signs include:
Forgetfulness or mental fog
Trouble focusing
Feeling scattered or distracted
Needing more reminders than usual
What Helps
Prioritize rest whenever possible (easier said than done!)
Write things down or use phone reminders (I use my iphone to-do list religiously)
Ask for support from friends, family, or your partner
Be kind to yourself — this phase is temporary
Mom brain is a sign your brain is adapting to care for your baby, not that something is wrong. Over time, your memory and focus usually improve.
Sources and references
Hoekzema, E., et al. (2017). Pregnancy leads to long-lasting changes in human brain structure. Nature Neuroscience, 20(2), 287–296.
https://www.nature.com/articles/nn.4458de Lange, A.-M. G., et al. (2020). Brain structure and maternal behavior in the postpartum period. Nature Communications, 11, 6323.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-20115-6American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Your Postpartum Brain.
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/your-postpartum-brain
What is postpartum "mom rage"?
Many new parents experience strong emotions after having a baby — and sometimes, this includes intense anger or irritability, often called “mom rage.”
Mom rage can show up as:
Feeling frustrated or on edge over small things
Snapping at loved ones easily
Irritability that feels overwhelming
Why Mom Rage Happens
Postpartum anger is common and usually stems from:
Hormonal shifts after birth
Sleep deprivation and exhaustion
Stress from adjusting to parenthood
Feeling unsupported or overwhelmed
These feelings are a normal part of the postpartum period, but when left unmanaged, they can affect relationships and daily life.
Coping Strategies
Acknowledge your feelings without judgment - it’s hard being a mom!
Take short breaks when possible, even a few minutes (examples: trying listening to music while feeding, going for a walk outside, etc)
Ask for support from your partner, friends, or family
Prioritize sleep and self-care as much as possible - easier said than done!
Seek therapy if anger feels intense, frequent, or uncontrollable
Mom rage doesn’t mean you’re a bad mom — it’s your body and mind adjusting to enormous changes. Support and strategies can help you manage anger and feel more in control.
Sources and references
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Mood Disorders in the Perinatal Period.
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/mood-disorders-in-the-perinatal-periodPostpartum Support International (PSI). Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders.
https://www.postpartum.netStack, S., & Meredith, T. (2020). Postpartum anger and irritability: Maternal experiences and coping strategies. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 38(4), 395–409.
Postpartum Depression vs. Postpartum Blues: Understanding the Difference
Bringing a new baby into the world can be exciting, overwhelming, and exhausting—all at once. It’s common for moms to experience a rollercoaster of emotions during the postpartum period. But how can you tell if what you’re feeling is the typical “baby blues” or something more serious like postpartum depression?
Knowing the difference can help you get the right support and care you deserve.
What Are the "Baby Blues"?
Postpartum blues (or the "baby blues") are very common after childbirth. Up to 80% of new moms experience them.
Symptoms of baby blues can include:
Mood swings
Tearfulness or crying easily
Irritability
Feeling overwhelmed
Trouble sleeping (even when the baby sleeps)
Anxiety or restlessness
Key facts:
Baby blues usually start within the first few days after birth.
Symptoms are typically mild and last about 1–2 weeks.
They often improve on their own with rest, support, and self-care.
What Is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is more intense and longer lasting than the baby blues. It’s a mood disorder that can affect anyone after childbirth, and it often requires professional support and treatment.
Symptoms of postpartum depression can include:
Persistent sadness or hopelessness
Significant anxiety or panic attacks
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Feeling like you’re not a good parent
Changes in appetite or sleep
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Key facts:
Symptoms usually appear within the first few months postpartum but can start anytime in the first year.
Unlike the baby blues, PPD symptoms last more than 2 weeks and interfere with daily life.
Postpartum depression is not your fault, and it is treatable with therapy, support, and sometimes medication.
When to Seek Help
If your feelings of sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm last longer than two weeks, feel intense, or are getting worse, it’s important to reach out for professional help. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Therapy can provide a safe space to talk about your feelings, learn coping tools, and feel supported as you navigate new parenthood.
Resources for Support
If you’re struggling with postpartum depression or are worried about your mental health, you are not alone and help is available. Reaching out is a sign of strength.
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Offers a free, confidential helpline and connects you to local support groups and therapists.
📞 Call or text 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD)
🌐 https://www.postpartum.net988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
If you are in crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 or use the chat feature at:
🌐 https://988lifeline.orgNational Maternal Mental Health Hotline
24/7 emotional support, resources, and referrals from trained counselors.
📞 Call or text 1-833-852-6262 (1-833-9-HELP4MOMS)
🌐 https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline
Sources & References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Postpartum Depression.
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/postpartum-depressionMayo Clinic. Postpartum depression — Symptoms and causes.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Perinatal Depression.
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/perinatal-depressionCleveland Clinic. Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression: What’s the Difference?
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9312-postpartum-depressionCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Depression Among Women.
https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/depression/index.htm