Mental and Emotional Support
Breastfeeding Resources
Mental and Emotional Support
It is normal to feel excited, joyful, anxious, or overwhelmed as you adjust to a new baby. You may even feel all of these emotions in a short period of time. Hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and new responsibilities can make you feel like you’re on an emotional roller coaster.
If you are ever concerned about how you’re feeling, talk with someone now.
Signs and Take Action!
- Feel hopeless and total despair
- Feel out of touch with reality (you may see or hear things other people don’t)
- Feel that you may hurt yourself or your baby
- Have feelings of intense anxiety that hit with no warning
- Have little interest in things you used to enjoy
- Feel very anxious around the baby and your other children
Get help now!
- Get help. Contact your health care provider or visit a clinic.
- Call 9-1-1 for immediate help.
- Call Postpartum Support International at 1-800-944-4PPD (4773) to speak to a volunteer who can provide support and resources in your area.
- Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for free and confidential emotional support—they talk about more than just suicide.
- Call Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Treatment Locator at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to find a health care provider in your area.
Additional Resources
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call for free and confidential emotional support—they talk about more than just suicide. Phone: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). - SAMHSA Mental Health Help & Treatment Locator
Information on depression, including a locator to find mental health help in your area. - Mom’s Mental Health Matters
Helpful resources from the National Institutes of Health, Child and Maternal Health Education Program. - Postpartum Education for Parents
A 24-hour support line is available for one-to-one support, from basic infant care to the baby blues, and other perinatal topics. Phone: 1-805-967-7636 (may be a long distance call). - National Mental Health Association
Information on perinatal depression, including a locator to find a mental health center or provider in your area. Phone: 1-800-969-NMHA (6642). - National Institute of Mental Health
Health information and research studies on depression. - National Women’s Health Information Center
Frequently asked questions about depression and pregnancy are available on the web site. Phone: 1-800-994-9662. - PostPartum Depression from Baby Center.
- Depression Fact Sheet
- Information for Parents of Newborn Children
- Postpartum Support International
An online postpartum depression support group. Warmline; weekdays only at 1-800-944-4773. - Postpartum Support Group
An online support group. - 1-800-311-BABY (1-800-311-2229)
For information on prenatal services in your community. In Spanish: 1-800-504-7081. - American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
Resources for you and your health-care provider.