Is it Just the “Baby Blues?” Navigating Postpartum Anxiety in Port Moody
The first few weeks at home with a new baby are often described as a 'bubble,' but for many parents in the Tri-Cities, that bubble can feel more like a pressure cooker. Between the sleepless nights, the physical recovery, and the sheer weight of a new identity, it’s normal to feel tearful or overwhelmed. We often call this the 'Baby Blues.'
But what happens when the weepiness doesn't fade? What if, instead of just being tired, you feel a constant sense of dread, racing thoughts, or anxiety that won't let you sleep even when the baby is finally down?
If you’re a new parent in Port Moody or Coquitlam struggling to catch your breath, you aren’t alone and you aren’t failing—you might be experiencing Postpartum Anxiety. And the good news is, you don't have to navigate it alone.
Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Anxiety or Depression: How to Tell the Difference
Baby blues include: crying, mood swings, anxiety, irritability, reduced concentration, and trouble sleeping. These symptoms usually peak on days 3-5 and last around 2 weeks
Postpartum Anxiety or Depression becomes suspected if you are: experiencing severe mood swings, crying a lot, having difficulty bonding with your baby, withdrawing from family and friends, unable to sleep or are sleeping too much, experiencing intense irritability or anger, overwhelmingly tired, hopelessness, having panic attacks, restlessness, having thoughts of harming yourself or the baby. These symptoms are more intense and longer lasting than the baby blues.
If You Suspect That You Have Postpartum Anxiety (PPA) or Depression (PPD)
If it is an emergency call 911, go to your local emergency room or call the crisis hotline 988
You can call your Midwife, Obstetrician, or Family doctor and book an appointment to talk about your symptoms
You can call Pacific Post Partum Society and talk with a volunteer who can guide you to other resources
https://postpartum.org/You can get some support from a counsellor who specializes in Perinatal Mental Health
Specialized Support for New Moms in Port Moody, Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam l Jolene Carlsen CounsellingI have lived experience as a mom of two being diagnosed with postpartum anxiety and depression after both of my babies
I have specialized training in Perinatal Mental Health
I am a calm and caring counsellor (RCC) who has a passion for supporting new parents
I use techniques such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness practices, and Somatic exercises to help calm your nervous system and bring you back to being grounded and in connection
You deserve to do more than just 'survive' this chapter. If these words resonate with you, I offer specialized perinatal counselling in Port Moody and online to help you find your footing again. Let’s work together to quiet the noise and bring back the connection.