PSI HelpLinePostpartum Support International — call or text 1-800-944-4773. Free, confidential, English & Spanish.In crisis? Call or text 988.
When the worry won’t stop
Some worry is a normal part of becoming a parent — your brain is wired to protect your baby. But when the worry becomes constant, overwhelming, or physically debilitating, it may be postpartum anxiety (PPA). PPA is at least as common as postpartum depression, frequently co-occurs with it, and is often underdiagnosed because anxious vigilance can look like “just being a good parent.”
PPA is not a sign that you’re too neurotic, too controlling, or not cut out for parenthood. It is a treatable medical condition, and you deserve support.
AI-assisted content — clinician review required. This page was assembled with AI assistance using evidence-based sources. It does not replace professional medical advice.
What postpartum anxiety looks like
- Constant worry that something bad will happen to the baby
- Racing thoughts that you can't turn off, especially at night
- Feeling like you can't sit still — restlessness and agitation
- Checking on the baby repeatedly, even when you know they're safe
- Physical symptoms: racing heart, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping even when the baby is sleeping ("tired but wired")
- Panic attacks — sudden waves of intense fear with physical symptoms
- Irritability and a short fuse, especially with your partner
- Avoiding certain activities, places, or people out of fear
- Difficulty eating or feeling nauseated from anxiety
- A sense that you're not doing well enough, no matter what you do
- Hypervigilance — scanning for danger constantly
Normal worry vs. postpartum anxiety
The line isn’t always obvious, but the difference is usually about intensity, duration, and whether the worry is getting in the way of your ability to function, sleep, or enjoy your baby.
| Normal new-parent worry | May be PPA |
|---|---|
| Checking on the baby before bed | Checking on the baby every 10 minutes all night, unable to sleep |
| Worrying about a rash and calling the pediatrician | Googling symptoms for hours, convinced something terrible is wrong |
| Feeling nervous the first time you leave the baby with someone | Canceling plans repeatedly because you can't bear to be away |
| Being careful about safe sleep practices | Staying awake all night watching the baby breathe |
Treatment that works
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT helps you identify the anxious thought patterns, evaluate them realistically, and build skills to manage worry and physical symptoms. It has strong evidence for perinatal anxiety.
Medication
SSRIs are effective for perinatal anxiety and are generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. Benzodiazepines are sometimes used short-term for severe anxiety or panic but require careful management. Talk to your provider about options.
Relaxation and coping skills
Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness-based approaches can help manage physical anxiety symptoms. They work best as part of a broader treatment plan, not as a replacement for therapy or medication when those are needed.
Support and practical help
Connecting with other parents who understand, accepting practical help (meals, childcare, errands), and protecting sleep all reduce the load that feeds anxiety. PSI offers free perinatal anxiety support groups.
Crisis & support resources
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available right now. You don’t need to be in immediate danger to call — these lines are for anyone who needs support. If there is immediate danger, call 911.
Postpartum Support International (PSI) HelpLine
1-800-944-4773Call or text. Available in English and Spanish.
NH Rapid Response Access Point
833-710-647724/7 access to NH mobile crisis teams and behavioral health services.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
1-833-852-62621-833-TLC-MAMA. Free, confidential, 24/7, English and Spanish.