Postpartum Anxiety: What It Looks Like and How Therapy Can Help
You’ve just had a baby. You’re supposed to feel overjoyed, right?
But instead of feeling calm or content, you’re anxious. Your mind races. You’re constantly checking if the baby is breathing. You can’t sleep—even when your baby is peacefully napping. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And more importantly, there’s nothing wrong with you.
Many women experience postpartum anxiety, but few know how to name it, much less ask for support. It’s more common than most people realize, and unlike the “baby blues” or postpartum depression, it often flies under the radar. Today, let’s talk openly about what postpartum anxiety actually looks like—and how therapy can help you feel like yourself again.
What Is Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety is a mood condition that can develop after giving birth, affecting your thoughts, emotions, and even your physical well-being. While postpartum depression often gets more attention in the media and medical community, anxiety is just as prevalent—and often just as disruptive.
Here are some of the most common signs:
Racing or intrusive thoughts (especially around your baby’s safety)
A constant sense of worry, dread, or fear
Difficulty relaxing, even when things are “fine”
Physical tension or restlessness
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Feeling emotionally “on edge” all day long
Many women experiencing postpartum anxiety say they feel like they’re “always waiting for something bad to happen.”
And yet—this anxiety is frequently dismissed. New moms are told it’s normal to worry, that they just need to rest more, or that things will get easier with time. While some worry is a natural part of parenthood, postpartum anxiety tends to go far beyond that. It’s persistent. It’s exhausting. And it deserves real attention and care.
Why So Many Women Suffer in Silence
One of the hardest parts of postpartum anxiety is how invisible it can be.
Unlike depression, which may look like sadness or withdrawal, anxiety is often hidden behind action—checking, researching, planning, worrying. You may look like you’re just being a “good mom” to the outside world, but inside, you’re exhausted by the endless loop of what-ifs.
Women are also under enormous pressure to appear capable and grateful. You might feel like you "shouldn’t" complain or that asking for help means you're failing. But naming what you’re going through is the first step toward healing. And therapy can be a powerful space to do just that.
How Therapy Can Help You Feel Like Yourself Again
If you're navigating postpartum anxiety, working with a licensed therapist can help you:
Identify and untangle anxious thought patterns that are keeping you stuck in fear.
Learn concrete tools to calm your body and mind (like grounding techniques or guided breathing).
Understand your triggers so you can respond—not react—when anxiety spikes.
Let go of unrealistic expectations about motherhood that may be fueling the pressure.
Build self-compassion for the complex, messy, beautiful job of being a mom.
At A Space for Change, I specialize in maternal mental health and help new moms just like you feel more grounded, supported, and empowered. Whether you’ve just had your first baby or you’re adjusting to a growing family, you don’t have to do this alone.
Why Online Therapy Works for Moms
Let’s be honest: getting out of the house with a newborn (or toddler!) can be a logistical nightmare. Between feedings, naps, and childcare, scheduling self-care often feels impossible.
That’s why online therapy can be a lifeline.
You don’t need to find a sitter or commute across town. You can log in from your couch or your car—wherever feels comfortable. Virtual sessions are flexible, private, and designed to fit your life as it is right now.
As a Florida-based LMFT, I offer virtual sessions to women across the state. You can read more about my background, my passion for working with moms, and my clinical approach on my About Me page.
What Happens in a Therapy Session?
If you’re new to therapy, you might feel unsure about what to expect. That’s completely normal.
In our first session, we’ll simply talk. I’ll get to know you—your experience, your goals, your support system—and we’ll begin identifying the patterns that are contributing to your anxiety. Together, we’ll create a plan that works for you. You set the pace. You decide what matters most.
Therapy isn’t about fixing you. It’s about supporting you so you can rediscover your own strength, wisdom, and resilience.
You Don’t Have to Wait Until You’re in Crisis
If you’re struggling with constant worry, restlessness, or panic—even if others say you “look fine”—please listen to your inner voice. If something feels off, you deserve to explore it.
Getting help is not a sign of weakness. It’s an act of strength, and it can change the way you experience motherhood.
If you’re ready to take the next step, I invite you to reach out today. I’d be honored to support you on this journey.
💬 Final Thought
Motherhood is beautiful—and hard. If your anxiety is keeping you from fully enjoying this season of life, know this: You are not alone. And things can feel better.
Let’s take that next step—together.
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