Postpartum Mental Health Guide

The first few months (sometimes years) after having a baby can be the hardest. We're here for you with resources, prayer, and support!

Postpartum mental health matters. Whether you're navigating the "baby blues," struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety, or simply needing a supportive community, you're not alone. This guide connects you with trusted local and national resources — both in-person and online — to support your mental and emotional well-being during this season.

Local In-Person Support

You don’t have to go far to get help. Here’s a list of support services in the Valley!

  • Confluence Health Behavioral Health Services
    Therapy and counseling for postpartum depression, anxiety, and family adjustment.
    🔗 Learn more | 📍 Wenatchee, WA

  • Catholic Family & Child Service
    Offers counseling services to new mothers, regardless of their faith affiliation.
    🔗 Learn more | 📍 Wenatchee, WA

  • Local Churches & Faith-Based Counseling Centers
    Many churches offer free or low-cost counseling or mom support groups.

Local Online/Hybrid Support

National In-Person Support (Available Across the U.S.)

  • Postpartum Support International (PSI)
    Postpartum Support Coordinators in every U.S. state can connect you with in-person therapists, support groups, and resources.
    🔗 [https://postpartum.net/]

  • Psychology Today Therapist Finder
    Search for therapists near you who specialize in postpartum care and support.
    🔗 [https://www.psychologytoday.com/]

National Online Support

Books for Postpartum Mental Health

  • "Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts" by Karen Kleiman
    Short, encouraging messages paired with illustrations for moms dealing with anxiety and intrusive thoughts postpartum.

  • "The Fourth Trimester" by Kimberly Ann Johnson
    A holistic guide to healing your body, balancing emotions, and restoring relationships after birth.

  • "Mom Set Free" by Jeannie Cunnion (Faith-Based)
    Helps moms embrace God’s grace in the pressures of motherhood and postpartum struggles.

  • "You Are Not Alone" by The Postpartum Stress Center
    Real stories from women who've experienced postpartum depression and anxiety, with actionable advice.

Podcasts for Postpartum Support

  • The Postpartum Podcast
    Honest conversations about the highs and lows of new motherhood.

  • Motherhood Meets Medicine
    A pediatric nurse and mom interviews experts about postpartum health, mental wellness, and parenting.

  • The Happy Home Podcast with Arlene Pellicane (Christian)
    Encouragement for moms to find joy, hope, and faith in the postpartum and parenting journey.

  • Made for This with Jennie Allen (Christian)
    While not strictly postpartum, Jennie's encouragement around anxiety, identity, and surrender is deeply relevant for new moms.

Christian Counseling Centers (National and Online)

YouTube Channels for Postpartum Recovery and Mental Health

  • Karing for Postpartum
    Videos on postpartum anxiety, depression, and realistic motherhood mental health tips.

  • Dr. Cassidy Freitas, LMFT
    Licensed therapist specializing in perinatal and postpartum mental health — practical tips and encouragement.

  • Coffee and Bible Time (Christian)
    Encouraging Bible studies, journaling ideas, and messages of hope for overwhelmed women.

  • Abiding Together Podcast and YouTube Channel (Catholic Christian)
    Talks about healing, community, motherhood, and mental/emotional restoration.

Journal Prompts for Postpartum Moms

  1. What emotions am I experiencing most often right now? Are there any patterns?

  2. Where am I feeling God’s presence in this season of motherhood?

  3. What do I want to remember about this stage with my baby?

  4. What are three ways I can show myself kindness and compassion today?

  5. What is one Bible verse I can cling to this week? (Example: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." – Matthew 11:28)

  6. Who in my life can I reach out to for help or encouragement?

  7. What does "rest" look like for me right now — physically, emotionally, and spiritually?

  8. Write a prayer for yourself today. Be honest.

When Joy Feels Heavy: A Faith-Based Conversation About Postpartum Depression

Bringing a new baby into the world is often described as one of life’s greatest joys. And it is — but what happens when joy feels heavy? When the days blur together with exhaustion, tears come easily, and fear whispers louder than the promises of hope?

If you’ve found yourself here — wondering if what you’re feeling is normal, wondering if something is wrong — first, take a deep breath. You are not alone. What you’re feeling might be postpartum depression (PPD), and there is hope, healing, and help waiting for you.

Let’s talk about it.

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is more than just the “baby blues,” which affects up to 80% of new moms and typically resolves within a couple of weeks.
PPD is deeper and lasts longer. It’s a serious but treatable medical condition that can begin anytime in the first year after childbirth.

You might be experiencing PPD if you notice symptoms like:

  • Persistent sadness, crying, or emptiness

  • Irritability, anger, or unexplained anxiety

  • Feeling disconnected from your baby or doubting your ability to care for them

  • Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy

  • Sleep troubles (even when the baby is sleeping)

  • Appetite changes

  • Feeling hopeless, worthless, or overwhelmed

  • Scary or intrusive thoughts you can’t control

These feelings don’t make you a bad mom. They don’t mean you don’t love your baby. They don’t mean God is disappointed in you.
They mean you’re human.

Why Does PPD Happen?

Postpartum depression can happen to anyone. Hormonal changes after birth play a major role, but PPD is also influenced by:

  • Sleep deprivation

  • Physical recovery from birth

  • Isolation and lack of support

  • Relationship stress

  • Personal or family history of depression

  • Breastfeeding challenges

  • Unmet expectations about motherhood

The Bible reminds us that even the strongest warriors have limits. Even Elijah, one of the greatest prophets, once lay under a tree and prayed to die (1 Kings 19:4). He was exhausted, overwhelmed, and felt utterly alone.
And what did God do? He didn’t scold him — He sent help.

Faith and Mental Health: They’re Not Opposed

It’s heartbreaking how often Christian moms feel ashamed of struggling mentally after childbirth.
Maybe you’ve heard: "You just need to pray harder."
Or: "If you had more faith, you wouldn’t feel this way."

Friend, that’s not true.
God designed our minds, bodies, and souls to work together, and sometimes our brains need healing, just like a broken leg would. Seeking help is not a sign of weak faith; it’s an act of wisdom and courage.

Psalm 34:18 says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
God doesn’t distance Himself when we’re hurting. He draws even closer.

What You Can Do If You’re Struggling

Here’s the good news: PPD is treatable, and you don’t have to suffer in silence.
If you recognize yourself in these words, here are some first steps you can take:

1. Talk to a Healthcare Provider

Reach out to your doctor, midwife, or therapist for guidance. They can help diagnose PPD and discuss options like therapy, support groups, and, if needed, medication.

2. Let Someone In

Tell your spouse, a trusted friend, your pastor, or a family member. You don’t have to carry this burden alone.
(Galatians 6:2 reminds us to "carry each other's burdens." Your struggle is not meant to be a secret.)

3. Connect with Support

There are incredible faith-based counselors and postpartum support groups (both local and online) that get it. It can be a huge relief to hear, "Me too," from someone else.

4. Give Yourself Grace

You are adjusting to a monumental life change. God is not measuring your performance — He is holding your heart.
Give yourself permission to rest. To say no. To need help. To not have all the answers right now.

5. Root Yourself in Truth

When lies about failure and fear creep in, root yourself in God’s promises:

  • "I have loved you with an everlasting love." (Jeremiah 31:3)

  • "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You." (Psalm 56:3)

  • "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

If You’re Reading This and You’re Hurting

I wish I could sit across from you right now with a cup of tea and say this face-to-face:
You are not broken. You are beloved. You are not alone. And you will not feel like this forever.

God sees you in the 2 a.m. feedings. He hears the quiet sobs in the shower. He knows the invisible battles you're fighting.
And He isn’t asking you to fight alone.

If you’re struggling, please reach out for help today. It's one of the bravest, most beautiful things you can do — for yourself, for your baby, and for the story God is writing through your life.

You are held, Mama. You are deeply loved.

Additional Resources:

Closing Prayer:

"Lord, for every mama feeling lost in the shadows, be her Light.
For every heart heavy with fear, be her Peace.
For every mind swirling with doubts, be her Anchor.
Thank You that You are close to the brokenhearted and that Your grace is enough for today.
Help her take the next step toward healing, knowing she is never alone. Amen."