Feelings After Having a Baby
Many new parents feel tired and emotional. "Baby blues" in the first two weeks are common. When sadness or worry lasts longer or feels intense, it may be postpartum depression or anxiety. It can affect mothers, fathers and partners, and it is treatable.
Signs you may notice
- Feeling sad, empty or crying often
- Intense worry about the baby's safety
- Trouble bonding with the baby
- Trouble sleeping even when the baby sleeps
- Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
- Thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby
What can help
- Rest when you can and ask family for specific help
- Eat, drink water and take short walks
- Tell your doctor or midwife how you feel
- Therapy and support groups can help
- Treatment, including medicine, can be safe options your doctor can talk about with you
When to reach out
If you have thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, or cannot care for yourself, call 911 or call or text 988. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is free, open 24/7, in English and Spanish: 1-833-852-6262.
Free worksheets
Download free, bilingual worksheets you can use at home or bring to a session.
See free worksheetsFrequently asked questions
What signs should I notice?
Feeling sad, empty or crying often; Intense worry about the baby's safety; Trouble bonding with the baby; Trouble sleeping even when the baby sleeps; Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless; Thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby.
What can help?
Rest when you can and ask family for specific help; Eat, drink water and take short walks; Tell your doctor or midwife how you feel; Therapy and support groups can help; Treatment, including medicine, can be safe options your doctor can talk about with you.
When should I look for help?
If you have thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, or cannot care for yourself, call 911 or call or text 988. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is free, open 24/7, in English and Spanish: 1-833-852-6262.
Where can I find help in Spanish in Oregon?
Use the Sanar Network directory to find bilingual and culturally responsive providers in Oregon, or read our resource guide for crisis lines, therapy, addiction help and health insurance by county.
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