What is Postpartum Anxiety Like?

Hey, Shameless Mamas - Let’s Talk about Maternal Mental Health

Motherhood is often painted as a blissful, love-filled experience. While there are certainly moments of joy, many mothers find themselves navigating an unexpected and overwhelming reality: postpartum anxiety. Unlike postpartum depression, which is more widely discussed, postpartum anxiety can be harder to recognize and even more difficult to talk about. As a postpartum therapist, I see mothers struggling with this every day, often wondering if what they’re experiencing is "normal."

Recognizing Postpartum Anxiety

Postpartum anxiety is more than just new-mom worries—it’s a constant, nagging sense of fear and unease that doesn’t go away. While some level of concern about your baby’s well-being is completely natural, postpartum anxiety takes it to another level, making it difficult to function, sleep, or enjoy your baby.

Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety

If you’re experiencing postpartum anxiety, you might notice:

• Persistent worry, often about your baby’s safety or health

• Racing thoughts that make it hard to focus or relax

• Difficulty sleeping, even when your baby is asleep

• A constant feeling of dread, like something terrible is about to happen

• Physical symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, or heart palpitations

• Feeling irritable, restless, or on edge

• Avoidance of situations that feel overwhelming, like leaving the house or allowing others to care for your baby

For some mothers, postpartum anxiety can also include intrusive thoughts—disturbing, unwanted images or fears of harm coming to their baby. These thoughts can be terrifying and shame-inducing, leading many moms to suffer in silence. However, it’s important to know that having these thoughts doesn’t mean you will act on them. A perinatal mental health therapist can help you work through them in a safe and supportive way.

Why Does Postpartum Anxiety Happen?

There isn’t one single cause of postpartum anxiety, but it’s often linked to:

• Hormonal shifts after birth

• Sleep deprivation, which can heighten anxiety

• A history of anxiety or trauma, particularly birth trauma

• The intense responsibility of caring for a newborn

• Perfectionism and societal pressures around motherhood

Even if you don’t have a history of anxiety, the postpartum period is a time of significant change, and it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed. A maternal mental health therapist can help you untangle the fears and emotions that feel impossible to manage alone.

How a Therapist for Moms Can Help

The good news is that postpartum anxiety is treatable, and you don’t have to suffer alone. Postpartum therapy provides a safe space to talk openly about your fears, develop coping strategies, and find relief from the constant state of worry.

Treatment Options for Postpartum Anxiety

A postpartum anxiety therapist may use various approaches to help, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge anxious thoughts and replace them with more balanced thinking

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to process birth trauma and intrusive thoughts

• Mindfulness techniques to help ground you in the present moment

• Practical strategies for managing anxiety in daily life

• Support around sleep, self-care, and setting realistic expectations

When to Seek Help

If anxiety is interfering with your ability to enjoy your baby or function in daily life, it’s time to reach out for support. Working with a perinatal therapist can help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed.

Remember, you don’t have to prove that you’re struggling "enough" to deserve help. If your anxiety is making motherhood harder than it needs to be, that’s reason enough to seek support from a perinatal mental health therapist who understands what you’re going through.

You Are Not Alone

Postpartum anxiety is common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. At Shameless Mama Wellness, we believe that every mother deserves support, understanding, and relief from anxiety. If you’re struggling, reach out—we’re here to help you find peace and confidence in your motherhood journey.

Ready to take the first step?

If you’re looking for a therapist for moms in California, I offer online therapy for postpartum anxiety, birth trauma, and more. Let’s work together to help you feel like yourself again.

Ready to start your healing journey? Contact Shameless Mama Wellness today to schedule a free consultation.

With Warmth and in Solidarity,
Marilyn

I provide a safe haven to discuss the thoughts you keep hidden.

As a Postpartum Therapist in California, I offer many services utilizing evidence-based treatments. Some services at Shameless Mama Wellness include treatment for postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety, birth trauma therapy, fertility counseling, therapy for miscarriage and loss, pregnancy therapy and treatment for NICU PTSD.

Online therapy available to new moms in California