Recognising Postnatal Anxiety
A psychologist’s guide to understanding anxiety after birth and during the early stages of motherhood
Bringing a baby into the world can be both beautiful and overwhelming. Postnatal anxiety is fairly common after childbirth (more than 1 in 10!), yet they are often misunderstood, overlooked, or written off as “first time mum worries”. While some feelings of anxiety are common in the early days after birth, postnatal anxiety symptoms are more intense and persistent, and they significantly impact daily functioning.
If you’re feeling this way, please know that you’re not alone and it’s not your fault.
If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please reach out for immediate, non-judgmental support:
PANDA – 1300 726 306
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service – 1800 015 188
What Is Postnatal Anxiety?
Postnatal anxiety can affect any new mother, regardless of their previous mental health history, and can develop at any point in the first year after childbirth.
Postnatal anxiety can involve excessive worrying, restlessness, panic attacks, or a constant sense of dread. Mothers with postnatal anxiety may find themselves excessively worrying about their baby’s health or development, or they may experience physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, or trouble sleeping.
It’s completely normal to worry about your baby and to feel some anxiety as you adjust to all the changes of early motherhood. Postnatal anxiety is more persistent and distressing, and it can take a toll on your wellbeing and make it hard to enjoy your baby.
Common signs include:
Constant worrying: Having excessive, uncontrollable worries about your baby’s health or wellbeing, or about your ability to care for them.
Physical Symptoms: Experiencing tension, a racing heart, sweating, dizziness, or difficulty breathing during episodes of anxiety.
Panic attacks: Sudden feelings of overwhelming fear or dread, often accompanied by a rapid heartbeat and difficulty catching your breath.
Irritability or short temper: Often feeling easily overwhelmed or snappy, even over small things
Hypervigilance: Being overly alert and constantly checking on your baby or environment, worrying about things going wrong.
Insomnia: Finding it hard to sleep or switch off, even when your baby is resting
Coping with Uncertainty
Many new mums struggle with the loss of control that comes with caring for a baby. You may find it hard not being able to plan your day or know what to expect, and the constant unpredictability can feel uncomfortable or even distressing. When things like sleep, feeding, or routines don’t go to plan, you may feel like you are failing. Sometimes these worries can feel overwhelming and hard to manage on your own. Recognising these feelings as symptoms of postnatal anxiety and reaching out for support can help you feel more confident and able to better enjoy parenting.
When to Seek Help
You’ve been feeling overwhelmed or depressed for more than a few weeks.
Your symptoms are interfering with your ability to care for yourself or your baby.
You’re struggling to bond with your baby or feeling emotionally disconnected.
Help is available, and reaching out early can make a big difference in your recovery.
You Are Not Alone
You don’t have to go through this on your own. With the right support, you can learn ways to manage anxiety and start enjoying motherhood again. If you’re experiencing postnatal anxiety or finding it hard to adjust after childbirth, I’m here to help. You can book a psychology appointment with me either in Coburg or via video call. Together, we can explore what’s happening for you and find a way forward.
