Panic The MotherPTM

Only women with a history of mental illness develop postnatal mental health problems.

Anyone can experience postnatal mental health problems, even if they have never struggled before. In the UK, up to 20% of women experience perinatal mental health problems, and many have no prior mental health history.

Postnatal depression always starts immediately after birth.

Postnatal depression can begin at any point in the first year after birth, not just in the first few weeks. About 25% of women with postnatal depression still have symptoms after their baby turns one.

Feeling sad or anxious after birth is just the "baby blues" and will go away on its own.

Short-term mood changes in the first week after birth are common, but if feelings of sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm persist beyond two weeks or interfere with daily life, it may be postnatal depression or anxiety. These conditions affect up to 1 in 5 new mothers in the UK and require support or treatment.

Good mothers don’t get depressed or anxious after having a baby.

Postnatal mental health issues are medical conditions, not a reflection of parenting or love. With the right support, most women recover fully—around 80% of those treated for postnatal depression make a full recovery.

Talking about postnatal mental health means you’ll have your baby taken away.
Health professionals want to help families stay together. Babies are only removed in rare cases where there is a serious risk to their safety. Reaching out for help does not mean your baby will be taken away—most mothers who seek help receive support and treatment, not judgement or punishment.

Breastfeeding protects against postnatal depression.

Breastfeeding can have benefits but does not prevent depression or anxiety. Some mothers who breastfeed still experience postnatal mental health problems, and feeding challenges can add to stress.

Medication for postnatal mental health is always unsafe when breastfeeding.

Many antidepressants and other medications are considered safe while breastfeeding. Untreated mental health problems can have negative effects on both mother and baby—always discuss options with your doctor.

Postnatal mental health problems are rare.

Recent UK studies show postnatal depression affects 11–24% of mothers, with rates increasing during and after the pandemic.

You should just “snap out of it” or “think positive.”

Postnatal mental health problems are genuine medical conditions caused by complex factors. Recovery usually requires understanding, support, and sometimes medical treatment.

You’ll “bounce back” after birth.

Physical and emotional recovery after birth can take up to a year. Ongoing fatigue, aches, and mood changes are normal for many mothers.

After your 6-week check-up, you’re ready for anything.

Many women still experience tiredness, pain, or emotional struggles for months after the six-week check and may need ongoing support.

Postnatal depression means you don’t love your baby.

Difficulties bonding or feeling joy are symptoms of postnatal depression, not a lack of love. These feelings are treatable and do not reflect a mother’s true feelings or abilities.

Only first-time mums get postnatal depression.

It can happen after any pregnancy, regardless of how many children a woman has. Risk may even increase with additional stress or complications in later pregnancies.