Postpartum & Perinatal Anxiety
“What If Something Happens to My Baby?”
Pregnancy and new parenthood are supposed to feel joyful, but for many, they’re marked by constant worry. You may find yourself checking your baby’s breathing, replaying worst-case scenarios, or feeling tense and on edge most of the day.
Sometimes the fear is about your health or your baby’s safety. Other times it’s a racing mind that just won’t shut off. You may feel restless, irritable, or unable to relax, even when your baby is sleeping.
If this sounds familiar, you could be experiencing perinatal or postpartum anxiety. And you are far from alone.
Anxiety in Parenthood Is More Common Than You Think
Many parents assume postpartum mental health is only about depression. But anxiety actually affects just as many, sometimes more.
Perinatal anxiety can appear during pregnancy, after birth, or even months later. For some parents, it shows up as:
Constant worry about baby’s safety
Trouble sleeping, even when exhausted
Intrusive thoughts that feel scary or disturbing
Panic attacks, racing heart, or difficulty breathing
Feeling irritable or “on edge” all the time
Compulsively checking, researching, or seeking reassurance
Anxiety isn’t your fault. It’s your nervous system working overtime in a season already full of stress, hormones, and sleep deprivation.
How Therapy Helps
At the Center for Postpartum Family Health, we understand how consuming perinatal anxiety can feel. Our therapists are trained to help parents like you calm your mind, reduce symptoms, and regain a sense of peace.
In therapy, you’ll find:
A safe place to share thoughts you may be too afraid to say out loud
Techniques to manage intrusive thoughts without letting them control you
Coping strategies for panic attacks, insomnia, or spiraling worry
Guidance for balancing self-care with the demands of parenting
Reassurance that you are not broken, and that healing is possible
We use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness practices, and trauma-informed care, all tailored to the perinatal experience.
What If I Don’t Get Help?
Without support, anxiety can spiral. Parents may find themselves withdrawing from loved ones, avoiding situations, or missing out on bonding moments with their baby. Some describe living in a constant state of tension, unable to rest, focus, or enjoy life.
But anxiety doesn’t have to define this season of your life. Getting help early can make recovery faster and prevent symptoms from interfering with your relationships, your parenting, and your wellbeing.
What Healing Can Look Like
Imagine being able to breathe more deeply. Imagine sleeping when your baby sleeps, instead of staying up worrying. Imagine enjoying time with your child without fear overshadowing every moment.
Therapy won’t erase stress altogether, but it can give you tools to manage worry, reduce intrusive thoughts, and feel calmer in your body and mind. Parents often say they feel more grounded, capable, and connected after getting support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Isn’t some worry normal for new parents?
Yes. Every parent worries. But if your anxiety feels constant, overwhelming, or keeps you from functioning day to day, it may be more than “normal worry.” Therapy can help you regain balance.
Will my scary thoughts make me a bad parent?
Not at all. Intrusive thoughts are a symptom of anxiety—not a reflection of who you are. Talking about them with a trained therapist can help you release shame and find relief.
Do partners experience perinatal anxiety too?
Yes. While most research has focused on birthing parents, partners can also experience high levels of worry, panic, or intrusive thoughts. We support all parents in the perinatal journey.
Can therapy really help without medication?
Yes. Many parents improve significantly with therapy alone. Others benefit from combining therapy with medication. If you need medical support, we’ll work with your providers to create a holistic plan.
Take the First Step Toward Calm
Perinatal anxiety is exhausting, but you don’t have to keep living this way. With specialized therapy, you can learn to quiet your mind, ease your body’s stress response, and feel more present with your baby and your life.
Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Consultation