Postpartum

Hi, my name is teachermom1992. I'm undiagnosed and I am desperate for answers because I need HELP. My body has been doing crazy things since 2024 and I have been to countless appointments, tests and specialists (what is avaliable in my area anyways)

This is going to be a long read but I am hoping (begging and praying🙏🙏) someone can help me.

​My "Before" Baseline :

​Baseline: Always active (high school English teacher, mom of young kids born sept 2022 and oct 2025), baseline normal always perfect BP.

​Lifelong info: Migraines since age 12, always freezing cold (loved jackets, fuzzy things, heated blankets, saunas, etc) but with a kinda low heat tolerance (would get super red faced and later a heat rash if I overheated - but it took a lot to get there, like a full day / days of being in the heat and being very active), easy bruising, extreme clumsiness (I run into things all the time, even doorframes), hyperextending joints in some places, and a few random fainting episodes over the years when tired/dehydrated.

​Where Everything Shifted (July 2024 while on vacation at Disney 😭):

​Out of nowhere in July 2024, I developed severe, unremitting cyclic nausea and vomiting. I am talking we were on vacation 18 hours from home and I woke up thinking I had to get sick and then I didn't stop for basically 7 months. Let's out it this way, I lost FORTY-FIVE POUNDS from being sick.

​Ended up having my gallbladder removed in Sept 2024 (HIDA scan said hyperactive gallbladder can cause that as well so we had to try something), but the nausea/vomiting came back 6 days post op. I was on short term disability from my job as a teacher from September to February, when i finally stopped getting sick daily.

​The Pregnancy Remission:

My symptoms started to get better, i thought because we had finally found the right medicines to knock it. Then, ​I found out I was pregnant in early 2025—and remarkably, all of my nausea and dysautonomia symptoms vanished 100% during that time. I felt amazing throughout pregnancy.

​The Postpartum Crash & What Episodes Feel Like:

Shortly after giving birth earlier this year, my body has slowly but completely collapsed into severe autonomic dysfunction since about 3 months pp. My daily episodes and symptoms have slowly started to come back and feel like:

➡️​Tachycardia & Bounding Pulse: Walking room-to-room sometimes makes my heart rate skyrocket (recently hit 150–170 bpm within minutes on a slow treadmill stress test). I feel a massive, pounding pulse in my face, ears, and head.

➡️​Temperature Storms: I get severe cold chills and deep internal shivering, which quickly flips into intense heat intolerance, facial flushing, and sweating. Like all over sweating for no reason. To the point I am so paranoid to be hot and I love in the south - so hiding inside isn't fun.

➡️​Sleep-to-Wake Inertia: Waking up is brutal—my BP drops low, and I feel like I physically cannot open my eyes or wake my brain up. Almost like I am drugged.

➡️​Physical Intolerances: Deep, aching soreness in my legs and feet (relieved by walking/stretching, was told it was plantar fasciatous since it gets better with movement), severe urinary urgency/frequency shifts, zero alcohol tolerance (and not that i was a huge drinker but I am a millennial, I have for sure woken up in a field somewhere and I had a good time in college), and sudden nausea flares and facial flushing. Also being HOT is the worst thing imaginable. Like I want to rip off my skin and run away from everything and everyone till I am cool and occasional my body will feel "heavy", mostly my legs, while I am going up stairs.

➡️​Systemic Stress Surges: When my heart rate spikes, my BP can jump as high as 180/91 from the adrenaline surge. But there have been days when I wake up and it is 83/42 and I can't get myself out of bed. I feel faint. And that triggers panic of course which makes it all worse.

➡️not wanting to argue or get political about it but it is relevant, I did have covid at least 4 times confirmed, once while I was 8 months pregnant and got the vaccine

➡️I have been tested for all the normal things. Diabetes, thyroid disorders, had an ANA panel. All came back "normal" or there was another reason something could have been off

➡️MOST RECENTLY AND WHY I NEED HELP

On Monday I woke up and my bp was low. I took nausea meds, drank water and tried to push through the things because I needed to leave for work. I started feeling like I was going to pass out to the point my husband came home from work, I had to call my neighbor for help and and we went to the doctor (not the ER because they always tell me i am dehydratedand send me away and I'd rather pay a smaller bill and see my doctor who is trying to help me find answers. THAT SAME NIGHT I PASSED OUT in the bathroom floor. I woke up nauseous and with stomach cramping, felt super hot, went to get sick and all I remember thinking is I need to lay down and being SO hot and sweaty. Next thing I knew I was laying on the tile floor covered in sweat and I couldn't feel my arms or hands and my body felt so heavy. I had to use an Alexa device nearby to call and wake up my husband because I couldn't yell loud enough for him to wake up.

​We are currently TRYING TO connect any dots that may be related or that could help find an answer. I had a negative tilt table test. I do take anxiety medication and have for years. I do not take extra to sleep if I need to wake up early the next day, but I do struggle to fall asleep. I had had a heart monitor on twice and an echo, my heart is structurally fine. Neurologist says she thinks it is some form of dysautonimia but wants to dig more.

Can anyone give me any insight?? Does this sound like something you have experienced?? I need HELP. Desperately. I want to be a good mom again. I have 4 kids, 2 of which are little and need me. I want to be a good teacher again and full of the energy and life that made me good at it. I want to live my life without carrying around fans, water, cooling towels and a BP monitor OR AT THE VERY LEAST know why, so when i have to explain things i have an actual answer. I just need help. I have never been so sad, terrified, and just defeated in my life. I just cry and cry and want answers

Please, I would love to hear your experiences or what has helped you! 💜

#MightyTogether #Anxiety #Migraine #ADHD

Hi, my name is Daryn. I'm here because I am a mother of five. My youngest child--my very first son--will be one month old tomorrow. When I was 26 weeks pregnant, his anatomy scan confirmed a congenital heart defect called AVSD, as well as two soft markers for Trisomy 21. Soon after birth, he has been in the NICU since birth due to complications from his heart defect.I am joining to begin journaling as a coping method for everything I go through on a daily basis as a medical mom, postpartum, with four children at home and one in the hospital.#MightyTogether

Well, so it looks like I am going to be active in here again.
Last week, on Thursday I gave birth to my daughter Amelia. She is gorgeous. I love her so much.
The thing is that sometimes I am still stuck in the "oh my God I can't believe I am pregnant" part of my life, while I should be already taking care of a baby.
How to process everything? How to accept it.
Accept the thing that I went through the labour and have a daughter I take care about everyday.
Maybe it is the sleep deprivation, maybe the breastfeeding, or maybe something else, but my mind has gone crazy, my #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #DerealizationDisorder #DepersonalizationDisorder #PanicAttacks worsened unbelievably.
I feel totally off, detached, like on needles and I am trying to tell myself "hey, nothing wrong is happening, it is okay" but it is not working. Anyone knows how to help? #MentalHealth #Anxiety #PostpartumAnxiety

The arrival of a new baby is one of the most meaningful moments in a person’s life. While it often brings joy and excitement, it can also introduce emotional and psychological changes for new mothers. The period after childbirth, often called the postpartum adjustment phase, is a time when mothers adapt to new responsibilities, physical recovery, and changes in daily life.

This transition can bring a wide range of emotions. Some mothers feel happiness and deep connection with their baby, while others may also experience anxiety, exhaustion, or emotional sensitivity. Understanding this adjustment period helps families recognize that emotional changes after childbirth are common and manageable with the right support.

Why Emotional Changes Happen After Childbirth

After a baby is born, the body goes through significant hormonal shifts. During pregnancy, hormone levels increase to support the developing baby. After delivery, these hormone levels change quickly, which can affect mood and emotional stability.

At the same time, new mothers often face sleep disruption, physical recovery, and the responsibility of caring for a newborn. These factors together can make the emotional adjustment period more challenging.

For many women, these emotional changes are temporary and improve as the body and mind adapt to the new routine.

Understanding the “Baby Blues”

Many new mothers experience a short period of emotional sensitivity commonly referred to as the “baby blues.” This condition usually appears within the first few days after childbirth and may last for about one to two weeks.

Common experiences during this phase include:

Mood swings

Feeling unusually emotional or tearful

Irritability or restlessness

Feeling overwhelmed by new responsibilities

These feelings are usually temporary and often improve as the mother begins adjusting to her new role and receives support from family members.

Adjusting to a New Daily Routine

Caring for a newborn changes many aspects of daily life. Sleep schedules shift, personal routines change, and parents often feel the need to focus most of their energy on their baby.

This sudden change can make it difficult for new mothers to find time for rest or self-care. Over time, adjusting to a new routine becomes easier as parents learn their baby’s patterns and develop more confidence in caring for their child.

Creating small daily routines can help mothers feel more organized and emotionally balanced.

Sleep Deprivation and Emotional Well-Being

Sleep plays an important role in emotional health. However, newborn babies require frequent feeding and care throughout the night, which often leads to interrupted sleep for parents.

Lack of sleep can contribute to:

Increased irritability

Difficulty concentrating

Feeling emotionally overwhelmed

When possible, short periods of rest during the day and sharing responsibilities with a partner or family member can help reduce the effects of sleep deprivation.

When Emotional Challenges Become More Serious

While mild emotional changes are common after childbirth, some mothers may experience more persistent mental health concerns such as postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety.

Signs that may require professional attention include:

Persistent sadness or hopelessness

Severe anxiety about the baby’s safety

Difficulty bonding with the baby

Loss of interest in daily activities

Feeling emotionally overwhelmed for long periods

These symptoms are treatable, and seeking help early can make a significant difference in recovery.

The Importance of Support Systems

Support from partners, family members, and friends can greatly improve emotional adjustment after childbirth. Simple forms of support—such as helping with household tasks, offering reassurance, or providing time for rest—can reduce stress for new mothers.

Open communication about emotions and challenges also helps mothers feel understood and supported during this important transition.

Professional Mental Health Care for New Mothers

When emotional challenges continue beyond the early adjustment period, professional mental health care may be helpful. Mental health professionals who specialize in perinatal mental health understand the emotional experiences associated with pregnancy and childbirth.

Support may include:

Psychiatric evaluations to assess emotional symptoms

Therapy focused on coping strategies and emotional support

Psychiatric medication management when appropriate

These services help mothers maintain their mental health while adjusting to the demands of caring for a newborn.

The Role of Support Groups

Some mothers benefit from group therapy or postpartum support groups. These groups provide a safe space where mothers can share their experiences and connect with others going through similar challenges.

Hearing from other parents who understand the emotional journey of early motherhood can reduce feelings of isolation and provide reassurance.

Access to Care Through Telepsychiatry

Modern mental health services often include telepsychiatry, which allows new mothers to connect with mental health professionals through secure online appointments. This option can be especially helpful for parents who may find it difficult to travel while caring for a newborn.

Telepsychiatry provides convenient access to emotional support, therapy sessions, and follow-up care without leaving home.

Final Thoughts

The emotional adjustment period after having a baby is a natural part of becoming a parent. While the experience can bring great happiness, it may also involve stress, fatigue, and emotional changes as mothers adapt to their new responsibilities.

Understanding these changes, building a strong support system, and seeking professional help when needed can make this transition smoother and healthier. With the right care and support, mothers can protect their mental well-being and enjoy the meaningful journey of raising their child.

Hi, my name is Ameerah, I'm a maternal wellness practitioner, birth worker, postpartum coach, and writer focusing on neurodivergence, motherhood, and emotional regulation. My work supports parents, especially those with ADHD, who are learning how to set boundaries, manage internal overwhelm, and reframe motherhood without self erasure. I'm here because I'm passionate in connecting, creating community, and awareness around these topics that minimize shame and dismantle fixed point of views. Creating safe spaces that curate conversations that empower our community to stand in our differences with curiosity and an inner knowing that different does not mean broken.

#MightyTogether #ADHD #PTSD

Hi, my name is EmmaMacKenzie. I'm here because I believe in sharing real stories and practical insights about mental health, maternal care, and wellness. Through research, personal experiences, and storytelling, I aim to support new parents and caregivers as they navigate the challenges of life after childbirth.

I know how overwhelming it can feel to manage emotions, mental health, and everyday responsibilities, and my goal is to create a space where people feel seen, understood, and empowered. I share tips, strategies, and stories to help you better understand mental health, therapy, and postpartum wellbeing in everyday life.

I’m excited to connect with this community, hear your stories, and grow together.

#MightyTogether #MentalHealth #Parenting #Anxiety #Grief

Trigger warning: emotional content / postpartum feelings / relationship stress

I have a husband who is a veteran with PTSD — and some days I wonder which one of us is the ill one.

Some days he’s the storm and I’m the steady rain keeping him afloat. Other days the rain is coming from my eyes and he’s the one who’s worried for me, unsure how to console me. There are even days we’re both suffering, trying to hold it together for our toddler and for the sake of her childhood.

Today it was my day. I found it hard to believe any of his actions were out of love. He took the day off — but it felt like blame for my struggles. Maybe it’s rejection dysphoria. Maybe it’s the tone of his voice or the words he uses. He hasn’t been around love; he’s unsure how to sound kind, and when I spiral he often doesn’t know what to do. That makes everything worse.

I’ve been having crying spells the last two days while I wait to get my birth control implant removed. It hasn’t been working for me — my hormones are out of whack, I’ve been bleeding nonstop for almost three months, and the last two months have been especially rough. I feel trapped in a broken body. It takes hours after a spiral to come back to myself and I feel so foolish and alone.

I miss my old life before motherhood — not because I don’t love being a mother, but because I am desperate for a break. I can’t remember the last time I felt rested. The dishes sit for days, the brain fog is suffocating, and I feel constantly let down when I reach out for help. My house is a disaster and my husband has to manage it on top of what he’s already carrying. I keep fighting through it, but I wish there were people who could come help.

I just registered at the VA for health insurance and I’m hoping this is the first step toward relief.

If anyone feels like this: you are not alone.

I feel numb and empty lately and I have nothing left to give. I’m running on fumes and am just going through the motions. With work, life, and overall day to day living. I know some of it is the postpartum that I’m still trying to navigate my way through and I’m trying to find the good in things, but I feel buried under the weight of everything that I am carrying right now and everything that is expected of me. I just want to disappear for a while and come back when I feel like me again.
#Anxiety #PostpartumAnxiety #PostpartumDepression