Postpartum Anxiety

What it can look like:

You might not feel sad — instead, your mind races with worries about your baby’s safety or your ability to parent. You may feel “on edge,” unable to rest, or flooded with what-if thoughts. Some parents experience panic attacks or upsetting intrusive thoughts they don’t want.

Common symptoms:

Constant worry, racing thoughts, or fear something bad will happen
Trouble sleeping even when exhausted
Physical tension, restlessness, or heart pounding
Intrusive thoughts about harm coming to your baby
Avoiding certain places, people, or activities “just in case”

What helps:

Talking openly about your fears — they’re more common than you think
Grounding, breathing, or mindfulness techniques to calm your body
Sleep, nourishment, and time to recover — anxiety worsens with exhaustion
Therapy focused on perinatal anxiety or OCD
Medication, if needed, to bring relief and restore balance

When to reach out:

If anxiety feels constant, exhausting, or keeps you from bonding or sleeping, it’s time to get support.Call your provider or contact Postpartum Support International (1-800-944-4773) for help finding a therapist near you.