Postpartum Anxiety Support
Postpartum anxiety can create intrusive thoughts, fears, and unwanted sensations leaving you feeling stuck. Feeling this way while also trying to care for a baby can make you wonder if something is really wrong or if you're a bad mom.
At Bloom Psychology, we create a safe space where you feel seen and heard to help you explore, address, and overcome your anxieties. Our therapy for overwhelmed new moms in Austin helps you quiet the constant worries and reclaim the joy of motherhood.
§What is Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety (PPA) is one of the most common perinatal mood disorders, affecting up to 15-20% of new mothers—making it even more prevalent than postpartum depression. While some worry is normal when caring for a newborn, postpartum anxiety involves excessive, uncontrollable worry that interferes with daily life and your ability to enjoy motherhood.
→Common Symptoms
Mental/Emotional Symptoms:
Excessive worry about baby's health, safety, or development
Constant "what if" thoughts and worst-case scenario thinking
Intrusive, unwanted thoughts (often disturbing or violent in nature)
Racing thoughts that won't slow down
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Feeling like something terrible is about to happen
Inability to relax or "turn off" your mind
Fear of being alone with your baby
Hypervigilance about baby's every movement, sound, or behavior
Physical Symptoms:
Racing or pounding heart
Shortness of breath or feeling like you can't catch your breath
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Chest tightness or pain
Nausea or stomach upset
Trembling or shaking
Muscle tension (especially neck, shoulders, jaw)
Difficulty sleeping even when baby sleeps
Loss of appetite or stress eating
Fatigue despite rest
Behavioral Symptoms:
Excessive checking (is baby breathing? is the car seat tight enough?)
Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety
Difficulty leaving baby with others (even trusted caregivers)
Compulsive research about baby health and safety
Overprotective behaviors
Difficulty being present (mind always elsewhere)
→Risk Factors
Personal or family history of anxiety disorders
Previous postpartum anxiety or depression
Pregnancy complications or traumatic birth
Baby health concerns or NICU stay
Perfectionism or need for control
Lack of sleep (exacerbates anxiety)
Limited social support
Major life stressors
History of trauma or loss
§Understanding Intrusive Thoughts
One of the most distressing aspects of postpartum anxiety is experiencing intrusive thoughts—unwanted, disturbing thoughts or mental images that pop into your mind without warning.
→What Are Intrusive Thoughts?
Intrusive thoughts are:
Unwanted - You don't want to have them
Involuntary - They come without your control
Distressing - They cause anxiety and discomfort
Ego-dystonic - They go against your values and character
→Common Types in New Mothers
Thoughts of accidentally harming baby (dropping, suffocating)
Disturbing mental images of harm coming to baby
Fears of "snapping" or losing control
Sexual or violent thoughts that feel foreign to you
Worries you might intentionally hurt your baby
→What Intrusive Thoughts Are NOT
They are NOT premonitions or warnings
They do NOT mean you want to act on them
They do NOT reflect your character or parenting ability
They are NOT psychosis (you know the thoughts are disturbing)
They do NOT mean you will harm your baby
Critical Distinction: Having intrusive thoughts + being horrified by them = postpartum anxiety. Having intrusive thoughts + planning to act on them = postpartum psychosis (extremely rare, medical emergency).
→Why Do Intrusive Thoughts Happen?
Your brain is in overdrive trying to protect your baby. Anxiety causes your mind to generate "threat scenarios" to keep you vigilant. Ironically, the fact that these thoughts distress you so much proves they're opposite to your true values—you're a mother who deeply cares about your baby's safety.
§PPA vs General Anxiety Disorder
While postpartum anxiety shares features with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), it has unique characteristics:
Postpartum-Specific Anxiety:
Focused primarily on baby's wellbeing and maternal competence
Triggered or worsened by hormonal shifts after birth
Often includes intrusive thoughts specific to infant harm
Hypervigilance about baby's breathing, feeding, development
May be new-onset (never anxious before motherhood)
General Anxiety:
Broader range of worry topics
Not specifically tied to postpartum period
May have been present before pregnancy
Many mothers experience both, and treatment addresses all anxiety symptoms regardless of origin.
§Treatment Approaches for Postpartum Anxiety
→Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
The gold standard for anxiety treatment, CBT helps you:
Identify and challenge catastrophic thinking patterns
Question the validity of anxious thoughts ("Is this thought helpful? Is it realistic?")
Replace worried thoughts with balanced, evidence-based thinking
Practice exposure to anxiety-triggering situations in a controlled way
Build confidence through gradual mastery
Our new mom therapy program provides 8 weeks of focused support to help you manage anxiety and build confidence in your new role.
→Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Specifically for intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors:
Gradual exposure to feared situations (e.g., being alone with baby)
Preventing anxiety-reducing compulsions (excessive checking)
Learning to tolerate uncertainty without needing reassurance
Breaking the anxiety-compulsion cycle
→Mindfulness and Acceptance
Observing anxious thoughts without judgment
"Noting" thoughts as "just thoughts" rather than facts
Staying present with your baby rather than lost in worry
Accepting uncertainty as part of life and parenthood
→Medication
For moderate to severe PPA, medication can be very effective:
SSRIs (many are safe for breastfeeding)
As-needed anti-anxiety medications for acute symptoms
Always prescribed in coordination with your OB/GYN or psychiatrist
§Physical Symptom Management
Since anxiety creates intense physical symptoms, we teach you tools to calm your nervous system:
Grounding Techniques:
5-4-3-2-1 sensory awareness
Cold water on face or hands
Progressive muscle relaxation
Holding ice cubes
Breathing Exercises:
Box breathing (4-4-4-4)
Diaphragmatic breathing
Extended exhale breathing
Humming or sighing
Movement:
Gentle walks with baby
Yoga or stretching
Rocking or swaying
Dancing to music
§Sleep and Postpartum Anxiety
Lack of sleep is both a symptom and cause of postpartum anxiety, creating a vicious cycle.
Why Sleep Matters:
Sleep deprivation lowers your anxiety threshold
Makes intrusive thoughts more frequent and intense
Reduces emotional regulation capacity
Impairs decision-making and perspective
Strategies Despite Newborn Sleep:
"Sleep when baby sleeps" (really!)
Ask partner/family to take night shifts occasionally
Pump so someone else can do a feeding while you sleep
Accept that housework can wait—sleep is medical necessity
Avoid caffeine after noon
Limit screen time before bed (blue light worsens sleep)
§What to Expect in PPA Therapy
→First Session
Comprehensive anxiety symptom assessment
Discussion of intrusive thoughts (in a safe, non-judgmental space)
Evaluation of physical symptoms
Sleep, nutrition, support system review
Safety assessment
Initial anxiety management techniques you can use immediately
→Ongoing Sessions
Learning to identify and challenge anxious thoughts
Practicing exposure to feared situations
Processing intrusive thoughts without shame
Building tolerance for uncertainty
Developing quick anxiety management tools
Partner involvement as appropriate
→Treatment Duration
Many mothers see significant reduction in anxiety within 8-12 weeks. However, learning to manage anxiety is a skill you'll refine over time. Some mothers continue occasional "booster" sessions during high-stress periods (sleep regressions, returning to work, etc.).
§Why Choose Bloom Psychology for PPA Treatment?
→Specialized Training in Perinatal Anxiety
Dr. Rundle understands that postpartum anxiety is NOT the same as general anxiety. We're trained in:
Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C)
Intrusive thought management specific to new mothers
The hormonal, biological, and psychological factors unique to postpartum
How anxiety affects maternal-infant bonding
Safe anxiety treatment during breastfeeding
→Judgment-Free Environment
We know intrusive thoughts are terrifying and often kept secret due to shame. Our office is a completely safe space to discuss:
Disturbing thoughts about baby
Fears of being a "bad mother"
Anxiety about bonding difficulties
Worries you can't share with family or friends
You will not be judged. You will not be reported. You will be supported.
→Flexible Treatment Options
In-Home Sessions: Therapy comes to you—no childcare needed, no anxiety about leaving baby.
Telehealth: Video sessions from anywhere in Texas, perfect for mothers anxious about driving or being in public.
In-Office: Our North Austin office offers a calm, private healing space with baby-friendly accommodations.
→Austin's Anxiety Specialists for New Mothers
Serving North Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Lakeway, and all of Texas via secure telehealth.
Rundle understands that postpartum anxiety is NOT the same as general anxiety.
Your Journey to Calm
Personalized Assessment
Begin with a comprehensive evaluation of your anxiety symptoms, triggers, and how they're affecting your daily life and relationship with your baby.
Customized Treatment Plan
Receive a tailored approach combining cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, and maternal-focused strategies.
Ongoing Support
Experience continued guidance as you implement new skills, with adjustments to address emerging challenges throughout your postpartum journey.
Key Benefits
Reduced Worry
Learn to manage excessive concerns about your baby's health, safety, and development.
Intrusive Thought Management
Develop techniques to cope with and reduce distressing or unwanted thoughts.
Sleep Improvement
Address anxiety-related sleep difficulties even within the constraints of newborn care.
Physical Symptom Relief
Reduce physical manifestations of anxiety like tension, racing heart, and shortness of breath.
Confident Decision-Making
Move past analysis-paralysis to make parenting decisions with greater ease.
Present-Moment Connection
Develop the ability to be fully present with your baby rather than caught in anxiety spirals.
Frequently Asked Questions
We're here to answer your questions about this service.
Are intrusive thoughts normal in postpartum anxiety?
Yes, extremely common. Up to 90% of new mothers experience some intrusive thoughts. They're a symptom of anxiety, not a reflection of your character or desires. The fact that they disturb you so much actually proves you're a caring, protective mother.
What's the difference between postpartum anxiety and postpartum OCD?
They're related and often overlap. Postpartum OCD involves intrusive thoughts PLUS compulsive behaviors to reduce the anxiety (excessive checking, cleaning rituals, needing things "just right"). Both are treatable with similar approaches (CBT, ERP, sometimes medication).
Can postpartum anxiety develop months after birth?
Absolutely. While it often begins in the first few weeks postpartum, PPA can emerge anytime in the first year (or longer). Common triggers include return to work, end of maternity leave support, sleep regressions, introduction of solid foods, or crawling/walking (new safety concerns).
How do I stop the constant worrying about my baby?
Worrying is your mind's (misguided) attempt to protect your baby. Through therapy, you'll learn that worrying doesn't prevent bad outcomes, uncertainty is inherent in parenting, you can tolerate not knowing for certain that everything will be okay, and being present with your baby is more protective than constant worry. We teach practical techniques to interrupt the worry cycle and redirect your attention.
Will medication make me feel "numb" or unable to care for my baby?
No. Appropriate anxiety medication should reduce excessive worry and physical symptoms while allowing you to feel normal emotions and stay fully present with your baby. If you feel "numb," your medication may need adjustment. We work closely with prescribers to ensure optimal dosing.
Can I practice exposure therapy while caring for a newborn?
Yes. We design exposures that are realistic and safe for you and baby. For example, practicing leaving baby with a trusted caregiver for short periods, gradually reducing nighttime checking behaviors, or tolerating brief moments of uncertainty rather than immediate googling. Exposures are always consensual, gradual, and tailored to your specific fears.
What if my anxiety is about something real (SIDS, choking, car accidents)?
These are statistically rare events, and we validate that your fears have a grain of truth. However, anxiety makes you overestimate the likelihood and underestimate your ability to cope. We help you take reasonable safety precautions (Safe Sleep, car seat checks), distinguish between realistic caution and excessive anxiety, tolerate the inherent uncertainty of life and parenthood, and trust yourself to handle challenges if they arise.
How quickly will I see improvement?
Many mothers notice some symptom relief within 3-4 weeks as they begin implementing anxiety management techniques. Significant improvement typically occurs within 8-12 weeks of consistent treatment. However, healing isn't linear—you may have setbacks during stressful periods, and that's normal.
Can my partner come to sessions?
Absolutely. Partner sessions can be very helpful for educating your partner about postpartum anxiety, teaching them how to support you (and what not to do), addressing how anxiety affects your relationship, and reducing their own stress about your symptoms.
What if I can't afford therapy right now?
We provide Super Bills for insurance reimbursement if you have out-of-network benefits. We also offer a free 15-minute consultation to assess fit, flexible scheduling (including early morning and evening), access to Growth Studio community resources for additional support, and referrals to low-cost community resources if our services aren't accessible.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Take the first step toward healing and growth with a free 15-minute consultation. Join our supportive community and access ongoing therapeutic care.