May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Shining a Light on Postpartum Depression

Jeanette Kovach • May 21, 2025

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, encouraging open conversations, and connecting people with the resources and support they need. While mental health affects everyone, one area that is often overlooked or misunderstood is postpartum depression (PPD)—a condition that affects 1 in 7 new mothers, and in some cases, new fathers as well.

Understanding Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression goes beyond the "baby blues," which typically appear in the first few days after birth and subside within a couple of weeks. PPD is more intense, longer-lasting, and can interfere with a parent's ability to care for themselves and their baby.

Symptoms of PPD may include:

Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or feeling overwhelmed
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
Difficulty bonding with the baby
Withdrawal from family and friends
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
Intense irritability or anger
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

It’s important to note that PPD doesn’t always show up right away. It can occur anytime within the first year after giving birth, and it may also be misdiagnosed or missed altogether because many parents feel pressure to “be happy” or “have it all together.”

Why Awareness Matters

Mental Health Awareness Month gives us a unique opportunity to acknowledge that mental health is just as important as physical health, especially during major life transitions like childbirth.

Many new parents feel isolated, ashamed, or afraid to speak up about how they’re feeling. Society often glamorizes the postpartum period with images of glowing moms and content babies, which makes it even harder for those who are struggling to admit they need help.

This May, let’s change that.

Let’s normalize asking, “How are you really doing?”
Let’s validate the feelings of parents who are overwhelmed, exhausted, or emotionally raw.
And most importantly, let’s ensure that support is accessible for every person who needs it.

What You Can Do

Whether you’re currently navigating postpartum depression, supporting a loved one, or simply want to be part of the solution, here are a few things you can do this Mental Health Awareness Month:

Know the Signs
Educate yourself on the symptoms of postpartum depression and other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), such as postpartum anxiety or OCD.
Check In Without Judgment
If you know someone who recently gave birth, reach out and offer a safe, supportive space to talk. Sometimes just saying, “I’m here if you want to talk,” can make all the difference.
Share Resources
Information saves lives. Make sure those in your community know where they can find help (resources listed below).
Break the Silence
If you’re comfortable, share your own experience with PPD or postpartum mental health. Your story may be exactly what someone else needs to hear.

Resources for Help and Support

If you or someone you know is struggling with postpartum depression, you are not alone, and help is available. Here are some trusted resources:

Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Website: www.postpartum.net
Helpline: 1-800-944-4773 (Text 503-894-9453)
Offers free support groups, a directory of mental health professionals, and a 24/7 helpline.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
Call or Text: 1-833-943-5746 (1-833-9-HELP4MOMS)
Available 24/7 in English and Spanish. Offers real-time support for moms and families.
Therapy for Black Girls
Website: www.therapyforblackgirls.com
A directory and resource hub for finding culturally competent mental health care.
MotherToBaby
Website: www.mothertobaby.org
Provides evidence-based information on medication use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or Text: 988
Immediate and confidential support for anyone in emotional distress or crisis.

Final Thoughts

Postpartum depression doesn’t make you a bad parent. It doesn’t mean you’re not grateful for your baby or that you aren’t doing your best. It means your body and mind are adjusting to an enormous shift—one that deserves compassion, care, and professional support.

This May, let’s talk more openly. Let’s listen more kindly. And let’s create a world where no new parent has to suffer in silence.

You are seen. You are supported. You are never alone.

#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #PostpartumDepression #YouAreNotAlone #MaternalMentalHealth

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Why You Should Learn About Breastfeeding Before Your Baby Arrives

By Jeanette Kovach • May 29, 2025

When you’re preparing for a new baby, the list of things to do can feel endless—buy the gear, decorate the nursery, pack the hospital bag, and figure out how to install the car seat. But one essential item often gets pushed to the bottom of the list: learning how to breastfeed. Many new parents assume that breastfeeding will come naturally, or that they'll figure it out once the baby arrives. But the truth is, breastfeeding is a learned skill—for both the parent and the baby—and preparing ahead of time can make a world of difference.

The Most Common Questions About Breastfeeding—Answered!

By Jeanette Kovach • March 27, 2025

Breastfeeding is a natural process, but that doesn’t mean it always comes naturally! Many new parents have questions about nursing their babies, from concerns about milk supply to finding the right latch. Here, we answer some of the most common breastfeeding questions to help you feel more confident on your journey.

The Breast Crawl: A Natural Start to Breastfeeding

By Jeanette Kovach • February 19, 2025

The moments after birth are incredibly special, filled with awe as a newborn takes their first breaths and makes their first movements outside the womb. One of the most remarkable instincts a baby has is the ability to find their mother’s breast and latch on their own—this is known as the breast crawl. It is a natural, reflexive behavior that allows babies to initiate breastfeeding on their own within the first hour of life.

How Breast Milk Changes to Meet Your Baby’s Needs—Even If You Exclusively Pump

By Jeanette Kovach • February 17, 2025

Breast milk is often called "liquid gold" for a reason—it's a dynamic, living substance that adapts to meet your baby’s nutritional and immune needs. Many people assume that this adaptability only applies when directly nursing, but that’s not the case! Even if you’re exclusively pumping, your breast milk continues to change in response to your baby’s growth, health, and environment.

The Power of Unmedicated Childbirth: Embracing the Natural Birth Experience

By Jeanette Kovach • February 15, 2025

Unmedicated childbirth is a deeply personal and empowering experience that many birthing people choose for a variety of reasons, including a desire for minimal medical intervention, a more connected birthing experience, or a preference for natural pain management techniques.

Going Back to Work While Breastfeeding: A Guide for Success

By Jeanette Kovach • February 13, 2025

Returning to work after having a baby can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re committed to continuing your breastfeeding journey. Many parents worry about how to maintain their milk supply, find time to pump, and ensure their baby gets enough breastmilk while they’re away. The good news? With the right preparation and mindset, balancing work and breastfeeding is absolutely possible.