Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: Signs and Where to Get Help in Northern Virginia
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself or your baby, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262), free and available 24/7 in English and Spanish.
Short answer: feeling weepy, overwhelmed or anxious in the first two weeks after birth (the "baby blues") is very common and usually passes on its own. Postpartum depression and anxiety are different: the feelings are stronger, last longer than two weeks, and get in the way of daily life. They are common (the CDC reports that about 1 in 8 women with a recent live birth have symptoms of postpartum depression), they are not your fault, and they are treatable. Tell your OB, midwife or your baby's pediatrician, and reach out to the free resources below.
I'm Asia Rideout, a pregnancy and postpartum strength coach and doula in Alexandria, VA. I'm not a mental health provider, but I see how common these struggles are, and I want every mom to know where to turn.
Baby blues vs. postpartum depression
Baby blues usually start in the first few days after birth and fade within about two weeks. You might feel teary, irritable, anxious or overwhelmed, but also still have good moments.
Postpartum depression (PPD) lasts longer than two weeks and can start any time in the first year, or even during pregnancy. Signs can include:
Feeling sad, empty or hopeless most of the day
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
Feeling disconnected from your baby
Feeling worthless, guilty or like a bad mother
Changes in sleep or appetite beyond what a newborn causes
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby (get help right away)
Postpartum anxiety and other conditions
Postpartum anxiety can look like constant worry, racing thoughts, feeling on edge, trouble sleeping even when the baby sleeps, or physical symptoms like a racing heart. Some moms have intrusive, unwanted thoughts (perinatal OCD), or symptoms after a traumatic birth. Postpartum psychosis is rare but a medical emergency: confusion, seeing or hearing things that aren't there, or feeling paranoid need emergency care right away.
Where to get help: free hotlines
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262), 24/7, free and confidential, English and Spanish
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988, 24/7
Postpartum Support International (PSI) HelpLine: call or text 1-800-944-4773 for support and referrals (not a crisis line). Visit postpartum.net
Local support in Alexandria and Northern Virginia
Postpartum Support Virginia: a free, peer-led warmline at (703) 829-7152 (se habla español), support groups across Virginia, peer mentors and a directory of perinatal mental health providers. Visit postpartumva.org
Inova new moms support groups: Inova runs support groups for new moms, including breastfeeding support. See Inova's New Moms Support Groups
Your care team: your OB or midwife can screen you and connect you with treatment, and your baby's pediatrician can also screen and refer you at well-baby visits
What treatment can look like
Treatment is individual, and it works. It may include talk therapy, medication (many options are compatible with breastfeeding; ask your provider), peer support groups, and practical support with sleep and childcare. Many moms use a combination.
Everyday things that can help alongside care
Ask for help with night feeds, meals and older kids so you can sleep
Connect with other moms: a support group or a class where babies are welcome
Move your body gently: research suggests regular physical activity can help reduce depressive symptoms after birth. It's a helpful addition to professional care, not a replacement for it
Get outside for a short walk with your baby
For partners and family
Watch for changes in mood, sleep and appetite, or statements like "my family would be better off without me." Listen without judgment, help with practical tasks, and help her contact her provider or a hotline. If you're worried about her safety, call 911.
Frequently asked questions
Can dads and partners get postpartum depression?
Yes. Partners can have perinatal depression and anxiety too, and the resources above can help them.
Will I have my baby taken away if I tell my doctor how I feel?
Asking for help is a sign of strength. Providers screen for postpartum depression because it's common and treatable, and their goal is to help you and your baby be well.
When should I get help?
If symptoms last more than two weeks, are getting worse, or make it hard to care for yourself or your baby, reach out now. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, get help right away.
You don't have to do this alone
At MotherMade Strong, our postpartum classes are small, babies are welcome, and you'll train alongside other moms in the same season of life. ReBuild to Strength meets Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:00am or 11:15am at One Way Performance in Alexandria, VA, and starts with a free 45-minute assessment. We're happy to work alongside your care team.
Related: Postpartum Recovery Timeline · MotherMade Strong Resources
Sources: CDC, "Symptoms of Depression Among Women" (Reproductive Health); ACOG, "Postpartum Depression" patient FAQ; HRSA, National Maternal Mental Health Hotline; Postpartum Support International; Postpartum Support Virginia.
This article is general education, not medical or mental health advice. If you are struggling, please contact your provider or one of the resources above.
Written by Asia Rideout, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coach and birth doula, founder of MotherMade Strong in Alexandria, VA.
