In crisis? Call or text 988 or call 911. This practice does not provide emergency care.
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Postpartum mood: when to get help

Medically reviewed by Dr. Iman Yunis, DNP, PMHNP-BC · Last reviewed October 26, 2026

Emotional changes after birth are common. Most are temporary, but some need treatment. This guide helps you tell the difference. Share it with your partner or family, too.

Call 911 now if you or someone you love has thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, sees or hears things others do not, seems confused or out of touch with reality, or has not slept for days. Postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency. For thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 any time.

Baby blues: usually short-lived

Tearfulness, mood swings, irritability, and feeling overwhelmed in the first two weeks after birth are very common. If these feelings ease within about two weeks, they are often the baby blues. Rest, food, and support help.

Time to reach out to a provider

  • Sadness, emptiness, or irritability lasting more than two weeks
  • Constant worry, racing thoughts, or panic attacks
  • Scary, unwanted thoughts that will not go away (intrusive thoughts)
  • Trouble sleeping even when the baby sleeps
  • Feeling disconnected from your baby, partner, or yourself
  • Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
  • Feeling like you are not yourself, or that your family would be better off without you

These can be signs of postpartum depression, anxiety, or OCD. They are common, treatable, and not your fault. Symptoms can start during pregnancy or any time in the first year after birth.

Where to get help

  • Emergency: 911
  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988, 24/7
  • National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262), free, 24/7, English and Spanish
  • Postpartum Support International HelpLine: call or text 1-800-944-4773 for non-emergency support and resources
  • Your OB, midwife, or primary care provider
  • Peak Psychiatry and Wellness: (425) 477-9272, telehealth evaluations across Washington, typically within 2–3 days

For partners and family

  • Check in daily: “How are you really feeling?”
  • Protect sleep: take a night feeding or a morning shift
  • Help with meals, chores, and visitors
  • Encourage a call to a provider if symptoms last more than two weeks
  • Call 911 if you notice confusion, hallucinations, or talk of harm

Medication decisions during pregnancy and breastfeeding are made together with your prescriber and your OB or midwife. Never stop or change a medication on your own. Learn about postpartum depression treatment.

Peak Psychiatry and Wellness, PLLC · peakpsychiatryandwellness.com · (425) 477-9272 · Fax (206) 452-5545. General information only, not medical advice. In a crisis, call or text 988, or call 911.

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