Postpartum psychiatrists can help new parents treat mental health challenges that develop during or after pregnancy.
Conditions associated with this phase of life include postpartum depression, anxiety, psychosis, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
If medication is part of your treatment plan, your psychiatric provider can help you find a dosage that works for you.
It’s normal to feel tired, moody, or overwhelmed in the days and weeks after having a baby. Research shows that around 80% of parents experience "the baby blues" after childbirth. But if your symptoms last longer than a few weeks and affect your daily functioning, you may benefit from seeing a postpartum depression psychiatrist.
A postpartum psychiatrist can help you manage your mental health challenges so you can heal and focus on creating a healthy bond with your baby.
When to see a postpartum psychiatrist
New parents have a lot on their plate in the days and weeks following birth. You're learning how to care for your baby while trying to support your own health and well-being. It’s a major life change, so it’s normal to experience both highs and lows as you lean into your new role and responsibilities.
But for some people, low mood, euphoric mood, anxiety, or a significant increase in energy may be a symptom of a postpartum mental health condition, especially if it is impacting your daily life.
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1. Postpartum depression (PPD)
Postpartum depression (PPD) develops during pregnancy or within the first year after childbirth. One in seven people will experience PPD symptoms, like fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of hopelessness. PPD is most common among new mothers and birthing parents, but it can also affect non-birthing partners. Men can also experience low mood and other symptoms of PPD.
2. Postpartum anxiety (PPA)
Postpartum anxiety (PPA) is another reason to consider meeting with a psychiatrist. Up to 20% of new mothers experience PPA. Fathers and adoptive parents can also experience this condition.
Symptoms can begin anywhere from a few weeks to a few months following birth. You may feel more irritable than normal or have difficulty relaxing and staying calm. Many people also experience intrusive thoughts, like, “What if I drop the baby when I’m going down the stairs?” or, “What if I’m a bad parent?”
Like other anxiety disorders, PAA can be characterized by physical symptoms too. These can include restlessness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and difficulty sleeping.
3. Postpartum OCD
Postpartum OCD is a type of OCD that develops after childbirth. It’s characterized by unwanted, reoccurring thoughts and behaviors related to the health and safety of your baby.
For example, you might obsess over the idea of losing or harming your baby. This can lead to irrational behaviors like constantly checking on the baby or seeking reassurance that your baby isn’t hurt.
4. Postpartum psychosis
Some people will develop a rare but serious condition called postpartum psychosis. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, unpredictable behavior, and thoughts of self-harm* or harming others. Postpartum psychosis requires immediate intervention, so it’s important to seek help right away.
*The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 confidential support through trained crisis counselors. If you or someone you care about is experiencing emotional distress, self-harm, or a suicidal crisis, please call or text 988. For life-threatening emergencies or immediate assistance, call 911.
The impact of postpartum on mental health
A postpartum condition can significantly impact your mental health, relationship with your child, and overall quality of life. When you’re dealing with mental health challenges, it can be difficult to focus on your or the baby’s needs. Unmanaged conditions can also affect the development of a child, such as language delays and problematic behaviors.
Any parent can have postpartum challenges, but it may be more common among those with an existing mental health condition. For example, postpartum psychosis is often diagnosed in people with a history of psychosis or bipolar disorder. PPA and PPD are linked to pre-existing depression or anxiety.
Other possible risk factors for postpartum mental health concerns include:
Limited support during pregnancy or the postpartum period
Low confidence in your parenting skills or ability to care for your child
Negative birth experience or early delivery
A challenging baby, like excessive crying
Being a young parent, a first-time parent, or a pregnant person older than 35
How postpartum psychiatry supports your well-being
If you or someone in your life is experiencing mental health challenges after having a baby, it's important to seek support right away. A psychiatric provider will listen to your mental and physical concerns and make a diagnosis and treatment plan based on your needs. If you feel nervous or embarrassed about sharing our symptoms, remember that being honest with your psychiatric provider is the best way to take care of both you and your baby.
Depending on the situation, your psychiatric provider might suggest talk therapy, medication, or both. For example, antidepressants are often prescribed for depression and anxiety. Antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help manage symptoms by increasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood.
If medication is part of your treatment plan, it’s important to work with your psychiatric provider to find the right medication and dosage for you. All medications come with possible side effects, so you’ll want to discuss the benefits and risks with your provider. This is particularly true for parents who are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Certain medications might not be safe, or you may need to change your medication or dosage if it’s impacting your milk supply.
Most people will begin to see symptom improvement within a few weeks of starting their medication. One new medication for PPD can even begin to improve symptoms in three days. Your psychiatric provider will let you know if this is covered by your insurance. That said, healing takes time. Remember to stay in touch with your psychiatrist and support network as you learn to manage symptoms and adjust to your new family dynamic.
A common misconception parents have is that medications are not safe in the postpartum period. However, not treating mental health conditions can be risky to the baby. It’s important to discuss risks versus benefits with your psychiatric provider.
Halee Fullerton, PMHNP-BC
Clinical reviewer
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Welcoming a baby is a joy, but it can also be difficult. If you or your partner are struggling with your mental health, know that support is available. Working with a psychiatrist can help you treat symptoms, address harmful thoughts, and create a stronger bond with your baby.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we're here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
Alex Bachert
Alex Bachert is a freelance copywriter and mental health advocate. Since earning her masters degree in public health, she has focused her career on creating informative content that empowers people to prioritize their health and well-being. Alex has partnered with organizations like Ro, WellTheory, and Firsthand, and her work has been recognized by the Digital Health Association.
When she’s not writing about mental health, Alex is usually playing pickleball, meeting with her local board of health, or enjoying time with her three kids.
Halee Fullerton, PMHNP-BC
Halee is a psychiatric nurse practitioner with experience treating children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked in outpatient community health with children/adolescents as well as inpatient substance use disorder treatment. She currently sees patients via outpatient telehealth. Before becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she worked in emergency rooms, medical-surgical units, long-term care facilities (including Alzheimer/dementia units) and the intensive care unit.
She chose a career in mental health because she wanted to help people and to contribute to breaking down stigma around mental health. She is especially passionate about working with people who are navigating substance use disorders, depressive disorders, and anxiety/trauma-related disorders. She has three labradoodles that she adores.
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