For Mothers and Families

Symptoms may include common and temporary mood swings, tearfulness/weepiness, worry/anxiety, difficulty sleeping or changes in appetite that occur in the immediate postpartum period. About 80% of women experience baby blues – it is normal!

Symptoms of baby blues typically start in the first few days following delivery and last up to 2-3 weeks.

Baby blues should resolve on its own. If you are experiencing these types of symptoms, consider a new parent support group, ask for help, and remember to take care of yourself as well as your baby.

An episode of major depression occurring during pregnancy or up to one year postpartum.

Perinatal depression is common, affecting about 1 out of 7 women. If untreated, it could persist until properly treated.

Symptoms may include depressed mood, loss of interests in most or all activities, changes in sleep habits, excessive guilt or worry, impaired concentration, recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation. The severity of these symptoms makes it difficult to care for yourself or your baby. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor and seek treatment. In addition, talking to friends and family, joining a new parent support group and remembering to prioritize your own self care can help.

A spectrum of several types of anxiety disorders that occur during pregnancy or up to one year postpartum.

It is estimated that about 1 in 10 women will experience an anxiety spectrum disorder during the postpartum period.

Symptoms may include persistent and excessive worrying, irritability, tension, inability to relax, difficulty falling to sleep or staying asleep, or physical symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, or inability to catch your breath. These symptoms make it difficult to function or care for yourself or your baby. If you are feeling anxious, talk to your doctor about how you are feeling. They might recommend therapy, medication, and/or support groups. As with all perinatal behavioral health conditions, make sure to take care of yourself and ask for help when needed.

The bonding process between baby and care giver is the same regardless of mental health diagnosis. There is no reason to feel guilty if you do not feel an immediate bond with your newborn. For some parents, it takes time and effort to build an emotional connection. Read the handout for suggestions on ways to help build that relationship.

Download the Bonding With Baby handout (PDF)

Moms' Mental Health Matters
Created by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. This website offers education and risk factors for mothers and families including an action plan for depression and anxiety during pregnancy and after birth.

Handouts

• Action Plan for Depression and Anxiety Around Pregnancy (PDF)
• Talk About Depression and Anxiety During Pregnancy and After Birth (PDF)
• What if the "happiest time of your life" doesn't feel so happy? (PDF)

Using a screening tool is a nice way to start a conversation about your mental health. This screening passport can be used to track scores of validated screening tools over time. Bring the passport with you to visits with your heath care providers and share your scores to begin a conversation about how you are really feeling.

Download the Perinatal Mental Health Screening Passport (PDF)

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) call or text.
Free and confidential hotline for pregnant and new moms available 24/7 in English and Spanish. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides support before, during and after pregnancy. The Hotline offers callers: phone/text access to professional counselors, real-time support, responses within a few minutes, resources, referrals to local and telehealth providers/support groups, and culturally sensitive support.

Moms Mental Health Initiative (MMHI)
Moms Mental Health Initiative is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those navigating perinatal mental health disorders in Southeast Wisconsin and Dane County by sharing information, connecting them to resources and providing peer-driven support. MMHI offers in-person and virtual support groups.

Bo’s Heavenly Clubhouse
Bo’s Heavenly Clubhouse is a nonprofit charity organization that is dedicated to helping families of child loss. They host child loss support groups, help with funeral expenses for children that are 18 years old and younger, and they send care packages that consist of some essentials for the healing process.

PSI Wisconsin
Postpartum Support International offers caring and informed and support and resources through the PSI Support Coordinators.

Mother To Baby
Medications and more during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ask the experts or view one of the fact sheets.

988 Lifeline
Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, 988 Lifeline has caring counselors here for you. You are not alone.

Postpartum Support International
Postpartum Support International (PSI) provides peer support to families, trains professionals, and provides a bridge to connect them. PSI has a Wisconsin Regional Coordinator who can assist mothers locally. PSI Warmline is a toll-free telephone number anyone can call to get basic information, support, and resources. Voicemails will be returned as soon as possible. PSI Warmline: 1-800-944-4773