27/05/2025
What is postpartum anxiety ❓️
😕 Postpartum anxiety is a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) that affects some people after childbirth. While postpartum depression is more well-known, postpartum anxiety can be just as distressing — and sometimes overlaps with depression.
It’s linked to:
•Hormonal shifts (especially sharp drops in oestrogen and progesterone)
•Sleep deprivation
•Increased responsibility and identity shifts
•Personal or family history of anxiety or OCD
Common Signs of Postpartum Anxiety
1. Racing thoughts 🧠
Constant worry about your baby’s health, safety, or your ability to be a “good” mum — even when things seem fine.
2. Physical symptoms ⚡
Heart palpitations, dizziness, nausea, muscle tension, shortness of breath.
3. Sleep struggles 😴
Not being able to sleep even when baby sleeps — because your mind is on overdrive.
4. Constant checking or hypervigilance 👀
Frequently checking if baby is breathing, feeling a need to constantly monitor them.
5. Irritability or restlessness 🌀
Feeling on edge, snappy, or unable to relax.
6. Intrusive thoughts ⚠️
Unwanted, upsetting images or ideas — often shocking or scary (these are not signs you're a bad parent, but a common symptom of anxiety or OCD).
📞 Support
UK-based resources:
GP or Health Visitor – first line of support
PANDAS Foundation – www.pandasfoundation.org.uk or call 0808 1961 776 (free, 11am–10pm daily)
Mind UK – www.mind.org.uk
NHS Talking Therapies – self-refer for free counselling/CBT
Global:
Postpartum Support International (PSI) – www.postpartum.net
24/7 Helpline: 1-800-944-4773 (US)
You’re not alone 🩷
Postpartum anxiety is common, real, and treatable.
Talking helps — whether with a friend, a professional, or a peer group.
Love
Sinéad ♡
