Beyond "Just Baby Blues": Why Emotional Wellbeing During Pregnancy and After Matters
November 11, 2025
Bringing a new life into the world is profound—and often overwhelming. While we hear plenty about sleepless nights and diaper duty, the emotional rollercoaster for new parents is just as real. Research shows that: ● Up to 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men experience Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
(PMADs)
during pregnancy or within the first year after childbirth.
● These challenges can affect families from all walks of life.
● PMADs go beyond temporary mood swings (the “baby blues”) and can include depression, anxiety, OCD, and even postpartum psychosis.
You Are Not Alone: Why So Many Suffer in Silence
Presence of Mind Therapy offers a nurturing, clinician-facilitiated postpartum support group for birthing parents (first time or new baby under 1) who are navigating the challenges of early parenthood. We shape our groups into small, inclusive cohorts to foster trust, connection and community. Groups are designed to meet your needs, offering both in person and virtual options.
Whether you are experiencing anxiety, overwhelm, low mood, or simply seeking community during this major life transition, our supportive environment helps you move toward healing and resilience. Visit our events page or email diana@presenceofmindtherapy.com to learn more about upcoming groups, or click here to fill out an interest form here and we will be in touch shortly to find a group that works best for you.
Although these mental health concerns are common, they often remain hidden. Historically, about half of PMADs go undiagnosed, with more than 75% of parents experiencing significant symptoms never receiving the treatment they need. Stigma, fears of being labeled a “bad parent,” and gaps in routine mental health screening all contribute to this silence. As a result, many parents
try to “power through,” risking prolonged suffering and impacting their ability to bond with their baby.
The Case for Compassionate Professional Support
The Case for Compassionate Professional Support
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Studies have shown that timely access to mental health professionals trained in perinatal care can reduce suicide risk (now one of the leading causes of maternal death postpartum in the U.S.),
improve parent-child bonding, and support a child’s healthy development. Qualified therapists bring specialized knowledge and can create a safe space for honest conversations. We teach coping skills and can tailor treatment to each family’s needs.
The Power of Community: Why Support Groups Make a Difference
The Power of Community: Why Support Groups Make a Difference
Isolation doesn’t have to define your journey as a new parent. Research continues to support the benefits of joining a postpartum support group:
● Shared experiences help normalize difficult feelings and reduce isolation
● Parents learn practical tools for managing stress, anxiety, and low mood
● Group members gain encouragement and hope from each other’s stories
● Support groups often serve as a bridge to further care when more is needed
Studies consistently find that parents who participate in these groups report improved mood, greater self-confidence, and a strengthened sense of belonging.
How We Can Help
How We Can Help
Perinatal mental health is a vital foundation for the health and happiness of the entire family. If you’re struggling, reaching out for help from a qualified mental health provider or a local support group can be a life-changing step toward healing and resilience.
Presence of Mind Therapy offers a nurturing, clinician-facilitiated postpartum support group for birthing parents (first time or new baby under 1) who are navigating the challenges of early parenthood. We shape our groups into small, inclusive cohorts to foster trust, connection and community. Groups are designed to meet your needs, offering both in person and virtual options.
Whether you are experiencing anxiety, overwhelm, low mood, or simply seeking community during this major life transition, our supportive environment helps you move toward healing and resilience. Visit our events page or email diana@presenceofmindtherapy.com to learn more about upcoming groups, or click here to fill out an interest form here and we will be in touch shortly to find a group that works best for you.
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