Jun 18, 2025

Postpartum Mental Health: What New Mums Wish You Knew

Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most profound transitions a person can go through. While it’s often painted as a time of joy and celebration, many new mums quietly struggle with their mental health during the postpartum period. From emotional ups and downs to more serious concerns like postpartum depression and anxiety, the truth is: motherhood is beautiful, but also deeply challenging.

In honour of maternal mental health awareness, we’re sharing what new mums wish others truly understood about this life-changing stage, and how we can support them better. Whether you're a partner, friend, or loved one, these insights can help you show up with more empathy and care.

It's Not Just the "Baby Blues"

Many people assume all emotional struggles after birth are just “baby blues” that fade after a few days. But for some mums, the sadness lingers and deepens.

The baby blues affect up to 80% of new mums and usually pass within two weeks.
Postpartum depression or anxiety can develop weeks or even months after birth, and it requires support and often professional treatment.

What mums wish you knew: Just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s easy. And it’s okay to need help.

Sleep Deprivation Is a Mental Health Risk

Newborns don’t care about sleep schedules and sleep deprivation quickly becomes overwhelming. For many new mums, the lack of rest intensifies feelings of anxiety, irritability, and despair.

What mums wish you knew: Lack of sleep isn’t just tiring, it’s a serious factor in postpartum mental health. Offer help so she can nap, rest, or even just shower in peace.

They Don’t Need to “Enjoy Every Moment”

You've probably heard the phrase, “Enjoy every moment, they grow up so fast!” While well-meaning, it can make struggling mums feel even more guilty.

What mums wish you knew: Not every moment is enjoyable and that’s okay. Let her know she’s allowed to feel overwhelmed, sad, and even bored without being a “bad mum.”

Bonding Isn’t Always Instant

Some parents feel a deep connection the moment their baby is born. Others don’t and that’s completely normal.

What mums wish you knew: Love sometimes grows slowly. Bonding can take days, weeks, or even months and that doesn't make anyone less of a parent.

Loneliness Is Real

Despite being surrounded by tiny humans and the occasional visitor, many new mums feel incredibly alone. Maternity leave can be isolating, friendships may shift as priorities change and conversations might become baby-focused, leaving the mum feeling unseen.

What mums wish you knew: Reach out, check in, talk about her, not just the baby. Connection helps ease the loneliness.

Social Media Makes It Worse

Perfectly curated photos of “blissful” new mums can be demoralising to someone who’s struggling.

What mums wish you knew: Social media doesn’t show the tears, the panic attacks, or the feelings of failure. Encourage honest conversations instead of comparisons.

Validation Is More Helpful Than Advice

New mums are bombarded with advice, some helpful, some overwhelming, some outright contradictory. Often, what they really need is someone to say, “You’re doing an amazing job.”

What mums wish you knew: Listening and validating feelings is more powerful than telling someone what they should do.

A Baby Journal Can Support Mental Health

Journaling isn’t just about memories, it can be a powerful mental health tool. A baby journal gives new mums a space to reflect on meaningful milestones (big and small), express emotions and document their postpartum journey and create a keepsake that celebrates their baby and their own strength.

Our Blush and Gold Baby Journals are thoughtfully designed to offer space for real feelings, not just photos. Writing things down can be grounding—especially during sleepless, emotionally turbulent days.

Partners Matter More Than They Know

Partners can make a huge difference in postpartum mental health. Emotional support, sharing responsibilities, and offering compassion can all help mums feel less alone.

What mums wish you knew: Being seen, appreciated, and supported can ease anxiety and prevent feelings of resentment or depression.

It's Okay to Not Be Okay

Motherhood comes with a wide spectrum of emotions. New mums need space to feel them all without shame or fear of judgment.

What mums wish you knew: Saying “I’m not okay” is a brave act. Believe her. Support her. Encourage her to seek help if she needs it.

Where to Find Help

If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that support is available. In the UK, these organisations offer help:

PANDAS Foundation: Support for perinatal mental health
NHS Maternal Mental Health: Services and treatment for postpartum depression

Honouring the Whole Journey

Postpartum life is a complex mix of joy, exhaustion, identity shifts, and emotion. The mental health of new mums deserves more than a passing thought—it needs attention, understanding, and compassion.

By listening, showing up, and offering gentle tools like a baby journal, we can help make the fourth trimester a little softer, a little more supported, and a lot more human.

To every new mum reading this: You're doing better than you think. You're not alone. And your mental health matters.