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Understanding Postpartum Depression and Other Maternal Mental Health Conditions

  • havenplacedoulas
  • May 2
  • 5 min read

Updated: May 29

Maternal Mental Health

You brought your baby home.

Everyone’s saying congratulations.

People are dropping heart emojis in your inbox.

They call you “supermom.”

They say you’re glowing.


But inside… You feel numb. Or sad. Or wired. Or terrified.

You don’t recognize yourself anymore.


If that’s you, I want you to know something important:

You are not broken. You are not alone. And YOU ARE NOT A BAD MOM.


May is Maternal Mental Health Month, and it’s time we talk about the truth. This journey can be beautiful, but it can also feel tough. Let’s talk about what that looks like, without shame, and with our whole hearts open.


Let’s Talk About the “Baby Blues"

About 70 to 80% of all new mothers experience some version of the “baby blues” in the days after birth. It’s usually caused by the crash of hormones, estrogen and progesterone drop dramatically, and it’s completely normal to cry, feel overwhelmed, or struggle to sleep.


But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s easy. You might find yourself asking:


“Why am I crying when I should be happy?”

“Why do I feel like I’m failing when I’m doing everything I can?”


The baby blues usually peak around day 4 or 5 postpartum and fade within two weeks. But if they don’t? That’s when we need to look deeper.


When It’s More Than Just A Bad Day: Postpartum Depression (PPD) (Maternal mental health)

Roughly 1 in 7 women will experience postpartum depression (PPD) after giving birth. That’s about 600,000 mothers every year in the U.S. alone.


And yet, nearly 50% of moms with PPD go undiagnosed. Why? Because we’re told to power through. Because we’re afraid to say “I’m not okay.” Because no one teaches us how to ask for help when we’re drowning in love and sadness.


PPD symptoms may include:

  • Feeling hopeless or withdrawn

  • Not bonding with your baby

  • Losing interest in things you used to enjoy

  • Feeling angry, irritable, or guilty

  • Trouble sleeping even when your baby is sleeping


The good news? 80% of women with PPD recover fully with support and treatment. You deserve that healing, too.


Postpartum Panic Disorder: When Fear Takes Over

You might be rocking your baby at 3 AM when suddenly your heart starts pounding, your chest tightens, and you feel like you can’t breathe. Your thoughts spiral—what if something’s wrong with the baby? What if I’m not enough?


This isn’t just a typical new mom worry; it could be postpartum panic disorder, a form of anxiety that triggers sudden panic attacks. Studies show 4 to 10 percent of new mothers may experience it, but many go undiagnosed because they don’t seek help. You might suddenly feel overwhelmed by fear, dizziness, or a racing heart, often linked to concerns about your baby’s safety or your ability to care for them.


It can begin a few weeks after birth or later, and it’s more common than most people think. The good news? You can get better. Therapy, support groups, and sometimes medication can help you feel safe and grounded again. You’re not broken, your brain just needs support


Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): The Intrusive Thoughts You Don’t Want to Say Out Loud

You picture the unthinkable - dropping your baby, hurting them, something going wrong. You don’t want to think about it. You’d never do it. But the thoughts keep coming.


That’s not you “losing it”; it could be postpartum OCD. And you’re far from alone.


Postpartum OCD brings unwanted, distressing thoughts or images, often centered around harm coming to your baby. These thoughts feel terrifying, but they’re just that - thoughts, not intentions. They can lead to compulsions, like constant checking, avoiding holding your baby, or excessive cleaning to “prevent something bad.”


You are not dangerous. You are not a bad mom. Postpartum OCD is rooted in anxiety, not in who you are, and treatment can help you reclaim your peace.


Postpartum PTSD: When Birth Leaves Scars You Can’t See

If your birth was traumatic - unexpected, overwhelming, or you felt ignored - you might find yourself reliving it repeatedly. This isn’t just a “rough birth story”; it could be postpartum PTSD.


Postpartum PTSD can occur after a traumatic birth experience, especially when you felt powerless, unheard, or feared for your or your baby’s life. It’s more common than many realize, especially among Black and Brown birthing people.


You deserve to heal. With therapy, trauma-informed care, and support from professionals who listen, you can process what happened and move forward.


Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER): When Breastfeeding Brings Unexpected Sadness

You’re feeding your baby, and suddenly, without warning, a wave of sadness, anxiety, or even dread washes over you, right when your milk lets down.


It’s not just in your head. You’re not failing at breastfeeding. You may be experiencing Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER).


During milk letdown, the drop in dopamine can trigger intense feelings of sadness or anxiety. This is a brief but often overwhelming sensation, lasting only a few minutes, but it can catch you off guard if you’re not familiar with it.


The good news: D-MER is underrecognized but real. It’s a physical condition, not a psychological one. Around 5-9% of lactating individuals experience it, though many go undiagnosed. With time, D-MER often improves, and support from a lactation consultant or doula can make a huge difference.

You’re not alone, and it’s okay to seek help when you need it.


Postpartum Psychosis: A Medical Emergency You Should Know About
Postpartum psychosis is rare, affecting between 0.089 and 2.6 out of every 1,000 births, that's about 320 to 9,400 cases annually in the U.S. It typically develops within the first two weeks after birth.

This condition involves a severe mental health crisis where the person may experience delusions, hallucinations, confusion, paranoia, or irrational behavior. They may seem detached from reality and unaware that something is wrong.


Postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency. If you or someone you love shows these signs, call 911 or go to the nearest ER immediately. With prompt treatment, most people recover fully and can continue to care for their children safely.


You Deserve Support, Not Silence

If any of these sound familiar, take a breath. Then say this out loud:

“It’s not just me. And I don’t have to do this alone.”


Many moms suffer silently because they’re afraid of being judged, labeled, or seen as ungrateful. But this is not a gratitude issue. This is mental health, and there is no shame in needing support.


You are doing your best. You are allowed to need help. And help is available.


Where to Get Help for Maternal Mental Health

Whether you’re navigating baby blues or a more serious condition, there’s no shame in reaching out. Here are some supportive resources for maternal mental health:



At Haven Place Doulas, We’re Here for You—Really

As a doula, I’ve been in the room for joyful births and heartbreaking moments. I’ve held the hands of moms who smiled on the outside but were silently crumbling inside. I’ve seen what happens when maternal mental health is ignored—and what happens when it’s nurtured.


Whether you're newly postpartum or months into motherhood and wondering why you “still don’t feel like yourself,” we want you to know: You matter. Your mental health matters. And we see you.


If you’re in Boston or anywhere in Massachusetts, Haven Place Doulas is here to walk beside you. We offer postpartum support, gentle care, and real-life resources to help you feel whole again. We can help you process your birth, find local support groups, or simply sit with you while you catch your breath.

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