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It's Not Just "Baby Blues": Understanding and Supporting Maternal Mental Health

  • Writer: Leigh Campbell
    Leigh Campbell
  • Jul 13
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 17


Remember: You are not alone.
Remember: You are not alone.

As a new mother, you’re often showered with messages about the joy and glow of motherhood. But for many, the reality of the postpartum period feels very different. If you're finding it challenging, I want you to hear this loud and clear: you are not alone, and you are not to blame.


Your emotional well-being is one of the most critical aspects of your postpartum journey. Yet, maternal mental health (MMH) conditions are the single most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, impacting one in five mothers. What’s even more concerning is that a staggering 75% of women who are struggling do not receive treatment, which can increase the risk of long-term negative impacts on mothers, babies, and families. My goal here is to talk about these challenges openly and honestly, and to let you know that support is available.


Is It the “Baby Blues” or Something More?

It’s crucial to understand the difference between the very common (and temporary) “baby blues” and more persistent perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. The onset of these symptoms can vary greatly; for some, they begin during pregnancy (33%), while for others, they emerge after childbirth (40%). Some women may even enter pregnancy already managing anxiety or depression (27%).


The “Baby Blues” and Maternal Mental Health

This is a very normal period of transition that up to 85% of new mothers experience. It’s likely linked to the huge hormonal shifts that happen after you give birth. The key thing to remember is that the "baby blues" typically resolve on their own within two to three weeks following childbirth. Symptoms often include:


  • Emotional sensitivity and weepiness

  • Feeling overwhelmed


When It Lasts Longer: Understanding Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders


Woman holding a baby, both relaxed near a bright window. "Bloom & Grow Lactation Medicine" logo is visible on the right. Improve maternal mental health.
A mother serenely nurses her baby near a sunlit window, embodying the nurturing support and care emphasized by Bloom & Grow Lactation Medicine.

If your symptoms feel more intense, last longer than a few weeks, or interfere with your ability to function, it may be a sign of a maternal mental health condition. If left untreated, these symptoms can last for up to three years. Here are some of the more common conditions I see and support in my practice:


Depression

Affecting about 14% of childbearing individuals, postpartum depression is more than just sadness. It can manifest in many ways:


  • Changes in your appetite, sleep, energy, or motivation

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Negative thoughts, including feelings of guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, or worthlessness

  • Feeling irritable, angry, or even rageful

  • A lack of interest in the baby

  • Neglecting your own self‐care

  • Intrusive or scary thoughts, which can include thoughts of harming yourself or the baby


Anxiety Disorders

We see anxiety in about 6-8% of childbearing individuals, and it can be just as debilitating as depression. Symptoms might include:


  • Feeling constantly stressed, worried, tense, or overwhelmed

  • Panic attacks (shortness of breath, racing heart, dizziness, chest or stomach pain)

  • An intense fear of going crazy or dying

  • Intrusive, scary thoughts, which can include thoughts of harming yourself or the baby

  • A fear of going outside

  • Difficulty falling or staying asleep, even when the baby is sleeping


Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Substance use disorder can often co-occur with depression and anxiety. Women are at the highest risk for SUD during their reproductive years, especially if their access to mental health services is limited.


  • The most frequently used substances are tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and opioids.

  • While many women reduce or stop substance use during pregnancy, the defining factor between use and a disorder is the inability to quit on one's own.

You Are Not Alone, and You Don't Have to "Tough It Out"

A nurse assists a mother breastfeeding her baby in a brightly lit room with a floral blanket. A logo is visible on the wall, creating a caring mood and improving maternal mental health.
A caring midwife guides a new mother on breastfeeding techniques, ensuring a positive start for the newborn in a nurturing environment to improve maternal mental health.

Reading through these symptoms can be scary, but I hope it also feels validating. These are real medical conditions, and they are treatable. In my clinic, I create a conversational, safe holding space for families. My aim is always to provide reassurance while offering compassionate, evidence-based care that is informed by your family's choice.


To provide this level of care, I pursued advanced training and became a physician certified in perinatal mental health (PMH-C). This certification signifies that I have passed a formal examination. It also demonstrates expertise in the assessment and treatment of the unique mental health challenges that can arise during pregnancy and postpartum.


 It’s a commitment to supporting your emotional well-being right alongside your breastfeeding journey. As a PMH-C, I can help you navigate what you're experiencing, connect you with resources, and, if needed, discuss and treat with medication.


Your Next Step


If any of this resonates with you, please do not wait. Reaching out is a sign of incredible strength. You deserve to feel well, and support is available.



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