First-Time Mom Survival Guide (9 of 10): When to Call a Therapist: Signs You Deserve Support (Hint: It’s Sooner Than You Think)

Hey, Shameless Mamas - Let’s Talk about Maternal Mental Health

Becoming a mom for the first time can be a beautiful experience — but it can also be overwhelming, full of challenges, and sometimes downright terrible. Between the emotional rollercoaster of early motherhood, adjusting to your new role, and coping with the physical recovery from childbirth, it’s common to feel exhausted, isolated, and unsure. As much as you may try to handle everything on your own, the truth is, asking for help is not just okay — it’s essential.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the signs that you might need therapy during the postpartum period, why seeking support sooner rather than later is crucial, and how therapy can help you navigate the challenges of first-time motherhood with more ease and confidence.

1. Feeling Overwhelmed or Burned Out

It's normal to feel tired and overwhelmed in the early days of motherhood. The sleepless nights, constant feedings, and adjusting to a new routine can leave you drained. However, if you’re finding yourself feeling perpetually exhausted, stressed, or on the edge of burnout, it may be time to reach out for support.

Signs You’re Reaching Your Limit and Could Use Support:

• You can’t seem to catch up on rest or feel perpetually tired, even after a good night’s sleep. Being tired as a new mom is very common, but when it’s preventing you from engaging with your new baby or interfering with your daily functioning it may be a sign you could use additional support.

• The emotional highs and lows are more intense, and you’re finding it difficult to cope with the small challenges of daily life.

• You’re struggling to maintain a balance between your needs and your baby’s needs, often feeling like you’re failing no matter what you do.

Therapy can help you develop coping strategies for managing overwhelm and restoring balance. A therapist for new moms can help you address the root causes of your stress and give you tools to handle the constant demands of motherhood without sacrificing your postpartum mental health.

2. Feeling Isolated or Alone

It’s easy to feel isolated during the postpartum period, especially if you’re adjusting to new routines while still recovering from childbirth. Add to that the challenge of potentially being home alone with your baby for hours at a time, and it’s no wonder that many new moms feel alone in their journey.

Signs of Isolation:

• You feel disconnected from your friends, family, or partner.

• You find yourself withdrawing socially, either because you’re overwhelmed or because you’re embarrassed by how you’re feeling.

• You’re reluctant to ask for help because you feel like no one can truly understand what you’re going through.

A postpartum therapist can provide a nonjudgmental space for you to process your feelings and reconnect with yourself. Talking to someone who understands the complexities of postpartum emotions can help you realize that you’re not alone and that it’s okay to need support.

3. Experiencing Intrusive Thoughts or Anxiety

Many new moms experience postpartum anxiety or intrusive thoughts after childbirth. These can range from worrying about your baby’s health to fearing that you’re not doing enough as a mom. While these feelings are common, they can become overwhelming if they start to interfere with your ability to function or feel present with your baby.

Signs of Anxiety or Intrusive Thoughts:

• You find yourself constantly worrying about your baby’s well-being or imagining worst-case scenarios, and this anxiety is interfering with your daily functioning. 

• You have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, even if you would never act on them.

• You’re unable to focus on anything other than your worries, and they’re taking over your daily life.

It’s important to understand that these thoughts don’t make you a bad mom, but they can be a sign that you need help processing your feelings. A therapist for new moms can help you manage postpartum anxiety and reduce the intensity of intrusive thoughts through evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness techniques.

4. Struggling with Your Relationship with Your Partner

Postpartum is a time of transition for both you and your partner. The stress of adjusting to parenthood, lack of sleep, and the shifting dynamics of your relationship can lead to tension, frustration, and emotional distance. If you’re finding it difficult to connect or communicate with your partner, therapy can provide valuable tools for improving your relationship.

Signs Your Relationship May Need Support:

• You’re feeling disconnected from your partner or having more arguments than usual.

• You’re not sure how to balance your new role as a mother and maintain intimacy in your relationship.

• You or your partner are having trouble adjusting to the changes in your relationship dynamic since the birth of your baby.

Couples therapy can help you and your partner navigate the challenges of parenthood together. A therapist can help you communicate more effectively, set realistic expectations, and find ways to stay connected during this time of transition.

5. Struggling with Postpartum Depression or Mood Swings

It’s common to experience some mood swings after childbirth, often referred to as the "baby blues." However, if these feelings persist for more than a few weeks, become more intense, or start to interfere with your ability to function, you may be experiencing postpartum depression (PPD). Postpartum depression affects approximately 1 in 7 new mothers and can effectively be addressed with treatment.

Signs of Postpartum Depression:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or guilt that don’t go away after a few weeks.

• Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, including bonding with your baby.

• Difficulty taking care of yourself or your baby due to overwhelming feelings of exhaustion or worthlessness.

If you suspect you might be experiencing PPD, therapy is an essential step in getting the support you need. A postpartum therapist can work with you to explore the emotional challenges of motherhood and provide tools to help you recover and regain your sense of self.

Why Seeking Support Sooner Is Crucial

Many new moms wait until they feel completely overwhelmed before reaching out for help. The reality is that the earlier you seek therapy, the easier it will be to manage postpartum challenges and prevent more serious emotional concerns down the road. Early intervention can help you develop the skills and mindset to handle the ups and downs of new motherhood with more resilience and confidence.

Conclusion: You Deserve Support

Motherhood can be one of the most beautiful experiences of your life, but it can also be incredibly challenging. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure at times. It’s normal to doubt yourself. The most important thing is to remember that you don’t have to face these feelings alone.

Seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. It shows that you’re committed to taking care of yourself and your maternal mental health, which ultimately makes you a better mom. You don’t have to wait until things get worse. If you’re feeling like you could use some support, reach out for help — you deserve it.

Ready to start your healing journey? Contact Shameless Mama Wellness today to schedule a free consultation.

With Warmth and in Solidarity,
Marilyn

I provide a safe haven to discuss the thoughts you keep hidden.

As a Postpartum Therapist in California, I offer many services utilizing evidence-based treatments. Some services at Shameless Mama Wellness include treatment for postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety, birth trauma therapy, fertility counseling, therapy for miscarriage and loss, pregnancy therapy and treatment for NICU PTSD.