Beyond the 'Baby Blues': 
Helping New Moms Recognize When To Ask for Help

September 11, 2026

Maternal mental health is receiving increased attention as financial pressures, limited support, and barriers to health care continue to leave mothers and families struggling during pregnancy and after childbirth. According to the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, about one in five mothers experiences a maternal mental health condition, with mental health conditions accounting for nearly 28% of pregnancy-related deaths, making them the leading cause of maternal mortality.

According to Alexa Bonacquisti, PhD, PMH-C, licensed psychologist specializing in reproductive health and associate professor at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), maternal mental health includes emotional and psychological well-being from conception through the first year after childbirth. “Major life transitions, stressors, and hormonal fluctuations can create significant vulnerability during this time, and these concerns are very common and often fluctuate during the year following childbirth,” she said.

Despite the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms that emerge during the perinatal period, Bonacquisti says symptoms can often be overlooked. Because of societal expectations, new mothers often believe they should only feel happiness after childbirth, and they may worry that others will judge their parenting if they struggle in motherhood. That pressure can make it harder to recognize distress and ask for help.

A major challenge for new mothers is differentiating serious mental health concerns from “baby blues,” which can include sadness, tearfulness, and feeling unlike themselves during the first two weeks after childbirth.

“About 80% of new mothers experience a period of up to two weeks after delivery where there may be some sadness and just not feeling like themselves,” said Bonacquisti. Those symptoms often go away in time, but it is when they worsen that mothers should seek support.”

Bonacquisti goes on to say symptoms of “baby blues” are often mild, transient, and do not significantly affect functioning. However, if symptoms are severe or adversely impact functioning, this may point to a more serious mental health concern that warrants additional support and intervention. For example, “baby blues” may present as a mother who is tearful, fatigued, irritable, and feeling overwhelmed with the transition to parenthood, while a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder might present as profound sadness, uncontrollable worry, persistent thoughts that don’t make sense, thoughts of harm, or an inability to care for herself or her baby.

When symptoms are severe or begin to interfere with a mother’s ability to care for herself or her baby, support and treatment can include therapy, medication, peer support groups, and practical help from family and friends.

For those preparing to become mothers, Bonacquisti recommends educating yourself on the difference between the short-lived “baby blues” and a maternal mental health condition so that you are able to recognize when more support is needed. While temporary sadness and tearfulness can be a normal part of the first two weeks after childbirth, symptoms that persist, worsen or interfere with daily life should not be ignored. Reaching out early, whether that means going to therapy or asking for more support from loved ones, can help mothers get the care they need to protect their health and well-being.

“Having a baby and becoming a mother can be both a positive and challenging experience. You can be a good mother while still taking care of yourself and asking for help and support.”

PCOM Psychological Services offers reproductive and mental health services to patients throughout the Philadelphia area. Schedule an appointment to learn more.

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