Postpartum Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatment Options for New Moms

It’s 3 a.m. and your baby is finally asleep, but you’re still wide awake—heart pounding, mind racing, checking the monitor again just to be sure they are safe and still breathing. You’re exhausted, but the worries won’t stop. What if something’s wrong? What if you’re missing something? You love your baby deeply, but lately, it feels like you’re living in a constant state of tension. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. These could be signs of postpartum anxiety - a common, treatable condition that affects many new moms in the weeks and months after giving birth.

In this post, we’ll explore what postpartum anxiety is, review its most common symptoms, explain the underlying causes, and outline the best treatment options available to help you feel like yourself again.

What Is Postpartum Anxiety?

Postpartum anxiety is a perinatal mental health condition that causes persistent and excessive worry after childbirth. While some anxiety is a normal part of adjusting to life with a newborn, postpartum anxiety involves more intense fears, racing thoughts, and physical symptoms that interfere with daily life and emotional well-being.

It’s estimated that up to 1 in 5 women experience postpartum anxiety, though many suffer in silence due to stigma, confusion, or fear of judgment.

Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety

Recognizing the signs of anxiety after childbirth is the first step toward getting support. Symptoms of postpartum anxiety can vary, but commonly include:

• Constant or overwhelming worry about your baby’s health or safety

• Racing thoughts or a mind that won’t “shut off”

• Feeling restless, keyed up, or unable to relax

• Difficulty sleeping, even when your baby is asleep

• Physical symptoms like a racing heart, nausea, or dizziness

• Intrusive thoughts that feel scary or out of character

• Avoiding certain situations due to fear something bad might happen

These symptoms can start shortly after birth or emerge weeks or months later. Unlike postpartum depression, which often involves sadness or low mood, postpartum anxiety tends to feel more tense, urgent, or panic-driven.

Causes of Postpartum Anxiety

There isn’t one single cause of postpartum anxiety, but several physical, emotional, and situational factors may contribute:

1. Hormonal Changes After Birth

Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels can directly impact the brain’s regulation of mood and anxiety.

2. Sleep Deprivation

Lack of deep, restorative sleep can increase irritability, reduce emotional resilience, and amplify anxious thoughts.

3. History of Anxiety or Mental Health Conditions

If you’ve experienced anxiety, panic attacks, or depression in the past, you may be at higher risk.

4. Reproductive Trauma or Loss

Previous infertility, miscarriage, or traumatic birth experiences may resurface emotionally during the postpartum period.

5. Perfectionism or Pressure to Be a “Good Mom”

Unrealistic expectations, comparison, and internalized pressure can lead to chronic self-doubt and anxiety.

6. Lack of Support

Feeling emotionally isolated or unsupported by partners, family, or community can intensify postpartum stress and worry.

How Is Postpartum Anxiety Treated?

The good news is that postpartum anxiety is highly treatable. The best approach is often a combination of therapy, lifestyle support, and (when appropriate) medication.

1. Therapy with a Perinatal Mental Health Specialist

Working with a therapist who specializes in reproductive, perinatal, or maternal mental health can make a powerful difference. Evidence-based therapies include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps challenge anxious thoughts and reduce avoidant behaviors.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Supports mindfulness and emotional flexibility.

• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Teaches present-moment awareness and reduces rumination.

Looking for a reproductive psychologist? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation. I specialize in treating postpartum anxiety and other perinatal mental health concerns.

2. Medication for Postpartum Anxiety

In moderate to severe cases, anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications may be recommended. Many medications are considered safe for breastfeeding and can be prescribed in consultation with your OB-GYN or psychiatrist.

3. Lifestyle Strategies and Support

• Sleep: Prioritize rest whenever possible, even in short stretches.

• Nutrition: Eat regular, balanced meals to stabilize mood and energy.

• Movement: Gentle exercise like walking, yoga, or stretching can reduce anxiety symptoms.

• Connection: Reach out to trusted friends, family, or join a postpartum support group.

Postpartum Anxiety vs. Postpartum OCD: What’s the Difference?

While postpartum anxiety and postpartum OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) can overlap in how they make you feel—both may involve racing thoughts and intense worry—they are not the same. Postpartum OCD is characterized by repetitive, intrusive thoughts or mental images (often disturbing or unwanted) and compulsive behaviors or mental rituals done to reduce the anxiety those thoughts create. For example, a parent with postpartum OCD might have upsetting thoughts about harm coming to their baby and feel compelled to check on the baby dozens of times or follow rigid routines to feel “safe.” In contrast, postpartum anxiety tends to involve generalized worry (like fears about feeding, sleep, or development) without the presence of compulsions. Both conditions are highly treatable and not a reflection of your parenting or your love for your baby. If you’re unsure which you’re experiencing, a trained mental health professional can help clarify and support your next steps.

Think postpartum OCD may be a part of the picture for you? Keep an eye out for my upcoming blog post on OCD during pregnancy and postpartum to learn more.

When Should You Get Help for Postpartum Anxiety?

If you’ve noticed that your anxiety is interfering with daily life, preventing you from sleeping, or creating distance between you and your baby or loved ones, then it’s time to reach out.

You don’t have to wait until things get worse. Early intervention leads to better outcomes, and therapy can help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected.

You’re Not Alone: Healing from Postpartum Anxiety Is Possible

Experiencing postpartum anxiety doesn’t make you a bad mother. It makes you a human adjusting to a massive life transition - emotionally, physically, and mentally. There is no shame in needing support, and help is available.

As a reproductive psychologist, I provide compassionate, evidence-based care for women navigating anxiety during the postpartum period and beyond. Whether you’re seeking therapy, tools for coping, or simply a safe space to talk, I’m here to help.

Ready to Take the First Step?

I remember sitting with my first baby, wondering if the anxiety I felt was just “normal” new mom stress or something more. At the time, I brushed it off - but later, through my training in perinatal mental health, I came to understand that what I experienced was common, but not normal. That level of anxiety shaped my early postpartum days in ways I wish I had better understood and felt supported through. Now, as both a mother and a reproductive psychologist, I find deep meaning in helping other women move through postpartum anxiety and reconnect with a sense of calm, confidence, and joy in motherhood. If this blog resonated with you, I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Frequently Asked Questions: Postpartum Anxiety

1. How do I know if I have postpartum anxiety or if I’m just a “worried new mom”?

It’s completely normal to worry as a new parent, but postpartum anxiety tends to feel persistent, overwhelming, and hard to control. If your thoughts are racing, your body feels tense, or your worry interferes with sleep, bonding, or everyday activities, it may be more than just typical new mom stress.

2. How long does postpartum anxiety last?

Without treatment, postpartum anxiety can persist for months or even longer. With support, it is highly treatable and most people begin to feel relief within a few weeks to a few months.

3. Can I have postpartum anxiety without feeling sad or depressed?

Yes. Postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression are different conditions, though they can occur together. You may not feel sad at all, but instead feel constantly on edge, restless, or trapped in cycles of worry.

4. Is postpartum anxiety common?

Yes. It's estimated that up to 1 in 5 new mothers experience postpartum anxiety. You are not alone, and it does not mean you are doing anything wrong.

5. Is therapy or medication better for treating postpartum anxiety?

Both can be effective. Many people benefit from a combination of the two, but therapy alone can be highly effective for mild to moderate symptoms. A reproductive or perinatal mental health specialist can help you decide what’s right for you.

6. Is it safe to take anxiety medication while breastfeeding?

Many anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications are considered safe during breastfeeding, but it’s important to speak with your provider to weigh the benefits and any potential risks.

7. Can postpartum anxiety develop months after giving birth?

Yes. Postpartum anxiety can begin anytime within the first year after birth, and even later if untreated stress, sleep deprivation, or trauma persist. It’s never too late to seek help.