Welcoming a new baby to the world is a crazy ride — part happiness, part sleep deprivation, and, for many new parents, a big dose of anxiety.
Some level of anxiety is a normal part of caring for a newborn. But for many, those worries can grow into something much more intense: postpartum anxiety. If you’ve ever found yourself lying awake at night, heart racing, imagining worst-case scenarios — even when you know they’re unlikely — you’re not alone.
Postpartum anxiety is more than just new-parent nerves. It’s a condition where persistent, overwhelming worry takes hold after having a baby. Unlike the everyday concerns that come with caring for a newborn, this anxiety can feel unrelenting. It can make it hard to relax, sleep, or even enjoy time with your child. According to the Cleveland Clinic, between 11% and 21% of new mothers experience postpartum anxiety. However, the actual number may be higher, as there’s no definitive screening test for it currently. Many times, it only comes to the surface when clinicians are screening for postpartum depression.
It’s easy to mix up postpartum anxiety with postpartum depression, but they’re distinct in significant ways. Depression tends to involve profound sadness, a lot of crying, or hopelessness. Anxiety, however, is fueled by overwhelming worry and fear — sometimes about particular things, sometimes just a general feeling that something’s amiss. You may find yourself constantly checking in with your baby, staying indoors, or feeling tense day and night. Physically, symptoms may include disrupted sleep (even when the baby’s sleeping), a pounding heart, nausea, or muscle tightness. Emotionally, you might become irritable, distractible, or stuck in a cycle of “what if” thinking.
So what triggers postpartum anxiety? There is no one-size-fits-all explanation. Hormonal changes after delivery can make emotions feel amplified and more difficult to control. And then there is sleep — or the lack thereof. Most new parents are operating on empty, which can exacerbate stress and anxiety. On top of that, the monumental task of looking after a newborn can be daunting, particularly if you’ve had a difficult pregnancy, a traumatic birth, or problems breastfeeding. Risk factors are a personal or family history of depression or anxiety, a previous miscarriage, having a baby with health problems, or a lack of emotional or practical help.
Identifying postpartum anxiety is step one, but seeking help is equally vital. National health groups, such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, advise healthcare providers to screen for both depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy. How these conversations are conducted is also important. Supportive, non-judgmental communication can make a big difference in how comfortable parents feel sharing. In other cultures, mental illness may still be stigmatized, so sensitivity and cultural awareness are even more important.
Treatment for postpartum anxiety is not one-size-fits-all. Most parents find therapy — particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — helpful, as it helps them recognize unhelpful thinking patterns and learn to cope more healthily. In certain situations, medication such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) may be prescribed, particularly if symptoms are extreme or have not improved with the help of therapy alone. If you are breastfeeding, your doctor can assist in making an informed decision regarding the advantages and disadvantages of various alternatives.
Support groups may be a lifeline, too. Talking to other parents who have similar struggles can be so helpful. Some groups meet online, which can be easier when your hands are full. Small changes to daily life — such as going for a brief walk, doing some light stretching, or simply asking for assistance — can help to calm anxiety and provide a sense of mastery.
Providers of healthcare are best positioned to assist new parents. They can screen for mental health issues, refer to therapists or support groups, and provide information about community resources such as home visits or lactation support. In certain states, programs like MCPAP for Moms provide real-time consultation and assist in connecting families with local support specific to their needs.
If you’re finding things tough at the moment, let this be known: postpartum anxiety is real, it’s normal, and it’s fully treatable. You don’t have to battle on your own — and with the appropriate support, things do get better. They do.