1 out of 10 new mothers develop anxiety alone or in addition to depression. 

Postpartum Anxiety and OCD can feel physical like shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea and headaches. The emotions are constant worry, racing thoughts, and inability to sleep. Scary thoughts about bad thing happening to you or the baby can be very upsetting and common with postpartum anxiety and OCD.

Postpartum Anxiety and OCD Symptoms

• Fear and worry that interrupts your thoughts or daily tasks
• Constant worry
• Racing thoughts
• Inability to sleep at night  or when the baby sleeps 
• Scary thoughts about the baby or yourself that upset you 
• Headaches, dizziness, nausea
• Can’t sit still or relax
• Checking the baby over and over again
• Fear of being alone with the baby

If you think you may be experiencing Postpartum Anxiety and OCD, help is waiting! Ask your doctor to talk to a Woman’s social worker about different treatment options.

If you need immediate assistance:

• Call your doctor
• Go to the nearest hospital emergency department 
• Call The Phone (crisis line) at 225-924-3900