Maternal Mental Health: Supporting New Moms in the “Fourth Trimester”

Pediatric Providers Team
May 4
3 min read

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. We know that when a new baby arrives, all the attention goes to the little one. But it is just as important to check in on how mom is doing.

Most people are familiar with the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy. The fourth trimester refers to the first 12 weeks after a baby is born. This period is a time of major physical, emotional, and hormonal change for the new mother. Understanding what is normal and what may need extra support can make all the difference.

What Is the “Baby Blues”?

Up to 80% of new mothers experience the “baby blues.” This can include mood swings, crying spells, trouble sleeping, and feeling overwhelmed. These feelings are usually tied to the sudden shift in hormones after delivery and typically get better within two to three weeks.

The baby blues are very common and do not mean anything is wrong with you as a parent.

When It May Be More Than the Blues

Sometimes, symptoms last longer than two weeks or become more severe. This may be a sign of a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD), such as postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety.

Signs to watch for include:

Persistent sadness or hopelessness lasting beyond two weeks
Difficulty bonding with the baby
Excessive worry about the baby’s health or safety
Trouble sleeping, even when the baby is sleeping
Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
Feeling guilty, ashamed, or like a bad parent
Scary or intrusive thoughts
Changes in appetite or energy
Panic attacks, including shortness of breath or racing heart

These conditions are treatable. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, please reach out for help. Having mood changes after giving birth does not make you a bad parent.

How Families and a Support System Can Help

Check in often: Ask how she is really feeling, not just how the baby is doing.
Help with daily tasks: Cooking a meal, doing laundry, or watching the baby so she can rest can go a long way.
Encourage professional support: If you notice changes in her mood, energy, or behavior, gently encourage her to talk with her doctor or a mental health provider.
Be patient and listen: Sometimes the most helpful thing is simply being present without trying to fix everything.

How Can My Child’s Provider Help Me?

At Pediatric Providers, your child’s health is our priority, but we also care about the well-being of the whole family. During well-child visits, we routinely screen new mothers for postpartum depression. If you are struggling, please do not hesitate to bring it up at your child’s visit. We can help connect you with the right resources and support.

Resources for New Mothers in Maryland

Maryland families have access to several programs and services that support new mothers:

Healthy New Moms (MHAMD): A program of the Mental Health Association of Maryland that raises awareness of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and connects moms, families, and providers across the state with support and resources. Visit mhamd.org/healthy-new-moms.
Postpartum Support Maryland: Provides resources to families dealing with postpartum depression and raises awareness in local communities. Call 240-432-4497.
Sinai Hospital Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Outreach Program (PDOP): Located right here in Baltimore, PDOP helps women understand the emotions that come with pregnancy and the postpartum period. Call 410-601-7832.
Johns Hopkins Women’s Mood Disorder Center: Offers specialized support for perinatal mood disorders. Call 410-502-7449.
Maryland Coalition of Families: Provides free family peer support to help parents navigate behavioral health challenges. Call 410-730-8267.

National Resources

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-852-6262 (free, confidential, 24/7, available in English and Spanish)
Postpartum Support International Helpline: Call 1-800-944-4773 or text “Help” to 800-944-4773
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate support