Perinatal Anxiety and Mood Disorders (PMADS)

Perinatal Anxiety and Mood Disorders (PMADS) happen in 1 out of 5 birthing people during pregnancy and/or during the first year after childbirth. PMADS include a wide range of emotional complications that affect an expectant or new parents during pregnancy or the first year after birth. Most commonly, PMADS impact the birthing person but many times fathers, partners, and adoptive parents can experience depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders after having a baby.

Symptoms may be gradual or sudden, but should not be ignored.

Not eating, not bathing, not taking care of oneself
Agitation/Anger/Sadness/Fear
Racing thoughts/jumping topics
Excessive concern about baby’s or own health
Fear of being alone with the baby
Feeling numb or not like yourself
Not sleeping when the baby is sleeping

PMADS are impacted by the biology, physiology, lack of sleep, transition of identity from pregnancy to parenthood, one’s dreams, and one’s own expectations of motherhood/fatherhood versus the reality of having a baby.

Updated Perinatal Flyer