What to Expect

Postpartum Mood Disorders

Postpartum Blues, Postpartum Depression, and Postpartum Anxiety

It takes time to get used to being a mother.  Some of the feelings you may have are joy and relief.  You may also feel like the “world is on top of you” and cry for no reason.  This is called “postpartum blues” and can be reduced by:  

  • Getting as much rest as you can 

  • Eating a healthy diet 

  • Getting support and spending time with family and friends  

 

If these feelings keep you from caring for yourself or baby, you may have postpartum depression.  Some of the signs are:  

  • Feeling down for longer than 2 weeks 

  • Having no interest or joy in some activities 

  • Lack of sleep 

  • Feeling guilty  

  • Being unable to concentrate 

  • Thoughts of death or suicide  

If you are having any of these symptoms, please contact the clinic for resources.  If you are feeling like hurting yourself or the baby, call 9-1-1 or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8, or go to the nearest Emergency Room.  

 

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-943-5746 

The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is live!  The Hotline is funded by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).  It is powered by Postpartum Support International.  It is available 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, in English or Spanish and other languages by request.  It is staffed by licensed and credentialed perinatal mental health and healthcare providers, childbirth professionals, and certified peer specialists.  The Hotline provides immediate and informed access to support, understanding, brief intervention, and resources to all pregnant, postpartum, and post-loss individuals and their partners and families.  

Mood Disorders