From intrusive "what-if" thoughts to the silence of shame, Dr. Gupta breaks down the biological reality of early motherhood—and why maternal mental health is the one of the most critical components of your newborn’s first check-up.
The first week home from the hospital is a whirlwind of hormone shifts and heart-pounding responsibility.
Did you know that 80% of moms experience the "Baby Blues?"
It usually peaks around day 5 to 7 and isn't a disease; it’s a normal biological response to the massive transition you’ve just made.
But because we don't talk about it, many moms suffer in a silence fueled by shame.
70-100% of postpartum moms will have an intrusive thought—one of those scary "what if" scenarios that pops into your head unbidden.
“Did I accidentally hurt my baby while changing them and that is why they’re crying?”
“Did I swaddle my baby too tight and they stopped breathing?”
If you can recognize these as just intrusive thoughts, there is a much smaller chance they will spiral into sustained anxiety.
However, about 10-20% of us moms will experience sustained postpartum depression or anxiety that requires extra support.
In my office at ABC Pediatrics, I ask about and screen for mental health at newborn visits because a healthy baby requires a supported mom.
We focus so much on the baby's weight and feeding, but how you are doing as Mom matters just as much!!
You are working 24/7 without a day off, a break, or an evaluation to tell you you're doing a good job.
If you don’t feel like yourself today, please tell someone.
Whether it’s your partner, a friend, or me at your next check-up, don’t power through silently.
You are the chief architect of your child's world, but even architects need a team.
Let’s break the silence together.
Share with a friend who needs to know it’s okay to ask for help.
Dr. Camilla Gupta is a board-certified pediatrician at ABC Pediatrics in Corpus Christi, TX.
Visit her main website to book a prenatal visit, transfer care or book an appointment.