Postpartum Anxiety
Reviewed by Dr. Sanam Shamtobi, PhD, PMH-C
You Shouldn't Have to Live in a Constant State of Worry
You thought the anxiety would get better once the baby was here — once you could see them breathing, hold them, know they're okay. But it didn't get better. If anything, it got worse.
Maybe you can't sleep even when the baby sleeps because you're checking the monitor every few minutes. Maybe your heart races when anyone else holds your baby. Maybe you've Googled every symptom, every rash, every weird sound your baby makes — and the spiral just keeps going.
If this sounds like you, you're not losing it. You're likely experiencing postpartum anxiety (PPA), and it's one of the most common — and most overlooked — challenges new moms face.
At The Mother Hood, we specialize in helping women just like you find relief from the constant worry, the racing thoughts, and the feeling that something terrible is about to happen. You deserve to actually enjoy this time with your baby — and with the right support, you can.
What Postpartum Anxiety Actually Feels Like
Postpartum anxiety doesn't always look the way you'd expect. It's not just "being a worried mom." It's a level of worry that takes over your life and makes it hard to function.
Here's what our clients often describe:
You can't turn your brain off. The worries loop on repeat — about the baby, about your health, about everything.
You feel on edge all the time. Like you're waiting for something bad to happen, even when everything is fine.
Sleep feels impossible. Not because of the baby — because your mind won't stop racing.
You check on things obsessively. The monitor, the baby's breathing, the locks on the doors. Over and over.
Physical symptoms hit hard. Heart pounding, stomach in knots, shortness of breath, dizziness.
You avoid things that used to be normal. Driving with the baby, leaving the house, letting someone else hold them.
You feel like you're the only one keeping your baby safe — and that pressure is crushing.
Panic attacks come out of nowhere. Sudden waves of terror that something is wrong, even when nothing is.
Some moms also experience health anxiety after having a baby — constantly worrying that something is wrong with them or their baby, even after the doctor says everything looks fine.
If you're nodding along, please know: this is not just "new mom worry." This is postpartum anxiety, and it responds really well to treatment.
You're Not Alone — and This Is Not Your Fault
Here's something most people don't tell you: postpartum anxiety affects up to 1 in 5 new moms. That means in your mom group, your neighborhood, your office — other women are feeling this exact same thing and not talking about it.
PPA happens because of a perfect storm of hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and the enormous pressure of keeping a tiny human alive. Your brain is trying to protect your baby — it's just gone into overdrive.
This is not a character flaw. This is not weakness. This is your brain's alarm system stuck in the "on" position.
And it's not something you just need to "push through." Postpartum anxiety that goes untreated can last months or even years. It can affect your relationship with your partner, your bond with your baby, and your overall quality of life.
The good news? With the right help, most women start feeling significantly better within weeks.
How Therapy Helps With Postpartum Anxiety
You don't need to white-knuckle your way through this. Therapy for postpartum anxiety gives you real, practical tools to quiet the noise in your head and start feeling like yourself again.
At The Mother Hood, we use several evidence-based approaches depending on what fits you best:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most researched and effective treatments for anxiety. It helps you:
Identify the thought patterns that fuel your anxiety
Challenge catastrophic thinking (the "what if" spiral)
Build practical coping skills you can use in the moment
Gradually face the situations you've been avoiding
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT helps you develop a different relationship with your anxious thoughts — instead of fighting them or believing them, you learn to let them pass without controlling your behavior.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Becoming a mom changes every relationship in your life. IPT focuses on navigating those shifts — with your partner, your family, your friends — so you feel more supported and less alone.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
If your anxiety is connected to a difficult birth experience or past trauma, EMDR can help your brain process those memories so they stop triggering your anxiety.
We also work closely with psychiatrists if medication feels like the right addition to your treatment plan. Many anxiety medications are safe during breastfeeding, and we can help you navigate that conversation.
What Treatment Looks Like at The Mother Hood
We know that finding a therapist when you're already overwhelmed feels like one more impossible thing on your list. So we make it as easy as possible.
Here's what to expect:
A free consultation call. We'll talk about what you're going through and make sure we're the right fit. No pressure, no judgment.
Your first session. We'll get a complete picture of what's happening — your symptoms, your history, your goals. We meet you where you are.
A personalized treatment plan. No cookie-cutter approach. We tailor therapy to your specific anxiety patterns, your life, and your schedule.
Weekly sessions (in-person or telehealth). Our Brentwood office is designed to feel warm and welcoming — not clinical. We also offer telehealth for moms anywhere in California.
Practical tools from day one. You won't just talk about your feelings — you'll leave every session with something you can actually use.
We get it: You're a new mom. Your schedule is unpredictable. You might have the baby with you. That's all okay. We're a maternal mental health practice — we expect it, and we welcome it.
How Postpartum Anxiety Is Different from Postpartum Depression
A lot of moms come to us saying, "I don't think I have postpartum depression — I'm not sad." And they're often right. Postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression are different conditions, though they often overlap.
Many women experience both — postpartum depression and anxiety together affects about half of all women with a perinatal mood disorder. If that's you, we treat both simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if it's postpartum anxiety or just normal new-mom worry?
Normal worry comes and goes. You can manage it and it doesn't control your day. Postpartum anxiety is constant — it interferes with sleep, daily activities, and your ability to enjoy your baby. If your worry feels excessive, uncontrollable, or is causing physical symptoms, it's worth talking to a professional.
When does postpartum anxiety start?
PPA can start anytime in the first year after giving birth — and for some women, it begins during pregnancy. It often ramps up in the first few weeks postpartum when hormones are shifting dramatically and sleep deprivation peaks.
How long does postpartum anxiety last without treatment?
Without support, postpartum anxiety can persist for months or even years. With treatment, most women see significant improvement within 8-12 weeks of starting therapy.
Can postpartum anxiety cause panic attacks?
Yes. Postpartum panic attacks are a common feature of PPA. They can include heart pounding, shortness of breath, dizziness, and an overwhelming sense that something terrible is happening. They're frightening, but they're very treatable.
Is medication necessary for postpartum anxiety?
Not always. Many women see great improvement with therapy alone. If your symptoms are severe, medication can be a helpful addition. Several options are safe while breastfeeding. We'll help you figure out what's right for you.
Will postpartum anxiety affect my bond with my baby?
Untreated anxiety can make it harder to be present and enjoy your baby. But the fact that you're here, researching this, shows how much you care. Treatment helps you be more present and connected — most moms report feeling closer to their baby once the anxiety eases.
Can I bring my baby to therapy sessions?
Absolutely. We're a maternal mental health practice — babies are always welcome. Whether they're sleeping in a carrier or needing to be fed mid-session, we work around it.
You Deserve to Feel Like Yourself Again
You became a mom — but that doesn't mean you have to lose yourself to worry. The constant vigilance, the racing thoughts, the knot in your stomach — those don't have to be your new normal.
Therapy can help you get back to a place where you can hold your baby without your heart racing. Where you can sleep when they sleep. Where you can actually enjoy the tiny, beautiful moments instead of bracing for disaster.
Reach out today — we'd love to talk about how we can help.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), go to your nearest emergency room, or call the Postpartum Support International Helpline at 1-800-944-4773. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation.