Postpartum anxiety is very common and can be both physical and emotional. Many new parents describe a constant sense of worry: “What if something happens to the baby?”, “Am I doing this right?”, “Why don’t I feel the way I expected?” Anxiety is not a sign of weakness — it is a reaction to hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and the enormous transition into parenthood.

Symptoms may include racing thoughts, restlessness, trouble relaxing, muscle tension, heart palpitations, or a sense of being constantly on alert. Some experience overwhelming responsibility, catastrophic thinking, or fear of leaving the baby even briefly. For others, anxiety shows up physically — chest tightness, nausea, dizziness, or shaking.

Anxiety can be intensified by difficult birth experiences, feeding challenges, lack of support, previous mental health conditions, or perfectionistic expectations. It’s important to remember that postpartum anxiety is treatable, and early support can significantly reduce symptoms.

There are several helpful interventions: speaking with a midwife, family health nurse, GP, or therapist; receiving practical support at home; learning grounding techniques; or, when needed, medication to break the cycle of overactivation in the nervous system.

Seek help if anxiety disrupts sleep, daily functioning, or your ability to care for yourself or your baby, or if you feel trapped in a spiral of worry.

You don’t have to handle this alone.

Alma’s tips

• Share your thoughts — keeping them inside builds pressure.

• Slow, deep breathing helps calm the nervous system.

• Allow others to support you with daily tasks.

• Reach out early — relief often comes sooner than expected.