Short answer: many new parents have “baby blues” in the first two weeks after birth. When sadness, anxiety or intrusive thoughts last longer or feel overwhelming, it may be postpartum depression or anxiety, which are common and treatable.
Signs to watch for
- Low mood, tearfulness or numbness lasting more than two weeks
- Constant worry, panic or intrusive thoughts about the baby’s safety
- Trouble sleeping even when the baby sleeps
- Feeling disconnected from the baby or like a bad parent
- Thoughts of harming yourself or that your family would be better off without you
Partners can experience postpartum depression too.
What treatment looks like
Treatment is tailored to you and, if you are breastfeeding, takes that into account. Options include therapy, support for sleep, practical help at home and, when appropriate, medication with a careful discussion of benefits and risks. A psychiatrist can coordinate with your obstetrician, midwife or pediatrician.
When it is urgent
Seek help immediately for confusion, hallucinations, severe agitation or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. Call or text 988, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Massachusetts parents can also call the free MCPAP for Moms resource through their obstetric provider.
Psych Boston provides psychiatric evaluations and ongoing care in Lexington and by telehealth. Request an appointment.
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 or call 911. Psych Boston is an outpatient psychiatry practice at 35 Bedford St #17, Lexington, MA781-218-9550).