For The Love Of Parenting

Emotional Highs, Lows & Tears: Navigating Parenthood After Baby - Episode 63

• Kimberly Myers, M.A.Ed., ICCE, IBCLC • Season 3 • Episode 63

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What's Up Wednesdays!

Becoming a parent changes everything—your sleep, your identity, your emotions. On this episode, we dive deep into the emotional highs and lows of early parenthood. From baby blues to postpartum rage, we break down the signs to watch for and how to get help when you need it most. So, come on!

Take a deep dive into the first episode in this postpartum series:

Want to show yourself some love and care? Well, episodes will take your there.

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Remember, as parents, do your best—there are no perfect parents, but countless ways to be loving and supportive. Signing off from the For Love of Parenting podcast. Thanks for listening. Until next time.

Title: Emotional Highs, Lows & Tears: Navigating Parenthood After Baby  - Episode 63

Intro Summary

Becoming a parent is beautiful—and also a lot. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or just not quite yourself after having a baby, know this: you’re not alone, and what you’re feeling is more common than you think.

On today’s episode we’re breaking down the emotional changes that can happen postpartum. So, come on!

Podcast

Welcome back for the love of parenting parents. 

I think we can all agree that becoming a parent is one of life’s most transformative experiences. It’s joyful, awe-inspiring—and, at times, overwhelming. In a matter of moments, you can swing from excitement and amazement to fear and uncertainty. These emotions are completely normal as you adjust to your new role. Remember, both parents may feel a wide range of emotions in those early days. 

So, let’s start with a personal story.

When my client, Alica, had her first baby, she called me on day four postpartum. I picked up the phone to her sobbing. She said, “Kimberly, I just looked at my baby and cried... I’m happy, but also sad. And tired. And then I laughed! Am I losing it?”

Nope. I tell her That sounds like the baby blues.

Nearly 70 to 80% of new parents experience the “baby blues”—a period of mood swings and emotional ups and downs that typically begins a few days after childbirth. These feelings are believed to stem from hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and the mental adjustment to parenthood. The good news is, they usually fade within a couple of weeks.

Common signs of the baby blues include:

  • Tearfulness or crying easily
  • Irritability and impatience
  • Restlessness or anxiety
  • Trouble sleeping (even when baby sleeps)
  • Sadness and mood shifts
  • Difficulty concentrating

But If you find that your symptoms or even if someone else notices that your symptoms are lasting longer than two weeks or begin to interfere with daily functioning, it's time to speak with your healthcare provider. So, dads/supports persons/partners – don’t wait for mom to seek out help. If you notice that something isn’t right – call her Dr. and make an appointment.

Remember, you are not alone, and help is available.

Helpful tips to manage the baby blues:

  • Rest whenever you can—sleep is essential
  • Step outside for fresh air and sunlight
  • Move your body—try a walk or dance to your favorite song
  • Stay connected to hobbies and things that bring you joy
  • Make time for your partner or a trusted support person
  • Join a support group, locally or online
  • Try meditation or journaling to process emotions
  • Prioritize self-care with a warm bath, aromatherapy, or massage

Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

Unlike the baby blues, postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety are more intense and longer-lasting. About 1 in 7 new parents will experience significant symptoms, often within the first three months, though they can develop any time during the first year.

So, be on the lookout for the following symptoms:

  • Persistent sadness or emptiness
  • Anxiety that feels constant or overwhelming
  • Difficulty bonding with your baby
  • Feeling hopeless or unable to cope
  • Changes in appetite or sleep
  • Trouble functioning in daily life

If these feelings become your “new normal,” it’s time to reach out for professional support. Treatments—like counseling, support groups, and medication—are available and often safe for breastfeeding parents. Speak with your provider to find the best option for you.

So, what does it mean When your Thoughts Take Over

Another emotional change is Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a lesser-known condition that involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. For example, you may feel an irresistible urge to repeatedly check if your baby is breathing or obsessively wash your hands to protect them from germs.

These thoughts can feel irrational but are driven by intense anxiety. If obsessions and compulsions take over more than an hour a day or interfere with your well-being, seek guidance from a mental health professional.

Postpartum Rage: The Hidden Emotion

Many new parents expect sadness or anxiety—but few are prepared for postpartum rage. About 35% of women report intense anger by six weeks postpartum. Unlike typical irritability, postpartum rage can feel like an emotional explosion, triggered by seemingly minor frustrations—like a cluttered room or a crying baby.

Common symptoms of postpartum rage include:

  • Intense, often irrational irritability
  • Sudden outbursts or yelling
  • Feelings of detachment or emotional numbness
  • Physical symptoms like muscle tension, shaking, or a racing heart

Hormonal changes, exhaustion, sleep loss, and the daily stress of caring for a newborn all play a role. If you feel out of control or frightened by your anger, know that help is available.

Coping strategies:

  • Rest and prioritize sleep
  • Practice deep breathing and calming techniques
  • Set realistic expectations for yourself
  • Establish a support system
  • Communicate your needs with loved ones
  • Focus on the positives and moments of joy
  • Seek therapy—especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Speak with your provider about medication, if necessary

Moving on to Postpartum Psychosis: This is a Medical Emergency

Postpartum psychosis is rare but serious. It typically arises within the first 3 to 14 days after birth and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms can vary and escalate quickly.

Warning signs include:

  • Hallucinations or delusions
  • Extreme confusion or disorientation
  • Racing thoughts and sleeplessness
  • Paranoia or feelings of being watched
  • Thoughts of self-harm or harming others
  • Speaking rapidly or incoherently
  • Detachment from reality

If you or someone you love is showing signs of postpartum psychosis, do not leave them alone with the baby. Seek emergency care immediately.

And Dads and Partners you can Feel these emotional changes Too

The transition to parenthood affects everyone—not just mom. Fathers and partners can also experience emotional struggles, including depression and anxiety. This condition is known as Paternal Perinatal Depression (PPND). It can start during pregnancy and continue up to six months after the baby’s birth.

Signs of PPND may include:

  • Loss of interest in work or hobbies
  • Low motivation and focus
  • Physical symptoms like headaches or weight loss
  • Increased stress and irritability
  • Alcohol or substance misuse
  • Withdrawal or relationship tension

Tips for coping with PPND:

  • Take a class for new or expecting fathers
  • Talk openly with your partner or a friend
  • Build healthy habits: sleep, exercise, and good nutrition
  • Don’t hesitate to seek professional help

Final Thoughts: You're Not Alone

Bringing a new baby home is a joyful milestone—but it also brings big changes to your routine, relationship, and identity. Be gentle with yourself and your partner. Communicate openly. Share responsibilities. And above all, reach out when you need help.

Parenting is a journey, not a race. Whether you're a mom, dad, or supportive partner, your well-being matters. You’re not in this alone—and there’s strength in asking for support.

Thank you for joining me on today's episode. I hope you learned a lot today, and if so and you want more information on the postpartum period you can do one of two things or both. If you are local to the DMV area - I will be hosting my first in-person postpartum class. Please visit my website at www.pregnancyconcepts.com and/subscribe to my podcast. Head over to and follow me for more engaging episode and it all about postpartum in the month of April. Until next, take care.

Before ending today’s episode, I want to make sure moms and dads out there have some resources. If you’re having any type of postpartum/anxiety mood disorder, depression or range – you can reach out to the Postpartum International at www.postpartum.net or call 1-800-944-4773. You can even text the word “HELP” to that same number 1-800-944-4773. You can even text in Spanish/Espanol to 971-203-7773. You can also reach out to 998 Lifeline, previously the National suicide prevention line. You just dial, text or chat to 998. However, the 1-800-273-8255 number will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.

Tags: #baby blues, #postpartum rage, #postpartum depression, #postpartum OCD, #new parent emotions, #mental health after baby, #parenting support, #dad depression, #new dads, #perinatal mental health, #therapy for moms, #emotional health, #breastfeeding and mental wellness, #Kimberly Myers, #Pregnancy Concepts LLC