The Best Websites for When you Need a Helping Hand with your Mental Health after the birth of your baby: A North London Doula’s guide
Welcome to my new blog series “A North London Doula’s Guide”. In this series I’ve set out my favourite podcasts and websites to help you with your pregnancy, birth and postpartum life.
In this post I explore the different types of postnatal mental health issues, how to recognise them, what partners and loved ones can do to help, and where to find support. I’ve summarised my favourite websites for dealing with postnatal mental health from the baby blues, overwhelm, recovering from a traumatic birth and postnatal depression.
Becoming a mother is a life-changing experience, filled with joy, exhaustion, and countless adjustments. However, for many new mums, the postnatal period can bring unexpected mental health challenges. While it’s common to experience the ‘baby blues’ in the first few weeks after birth, some parents face more serious mental health issues that require attention and support. If you’re feeling more than just a bit weepy, reach out for help, you don’t need to go through this alone and you’d be surprised just how many other mums (and dad’s) have felt the same way!
Common Postnatal Mental Health Issues
1. Postnatal Depression (PND)
PND is a form of depression that affects around 1 in 10 new mothers and can develop within weeks or months after childbirth.
Signs and Symptoms::
Persistent low mood, sadness, or hopelessness
Loss of interest or enjoyment in life
Difficulty bonding with the baby
Fatigue, difficulty sleeping (even when the baby sleeps)
Changes in appetite
Feeling overwhelmed, guilty, or worthless
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
What Partners Should Look Out For:
If mum seems withdrawn or not engaging with the baby
Extreme tearfulness beyond the ‘baby blues’ period
Expressing feelings of failure or guilt
Signs of exhaustion that don’t improve with rest
Changes in behaviour, such as withdrawing from family and friends
As a postnatal doula, I support new mums by providing reassurance, emotional care, and practical help, enabling them to rest, bond with their baby, and recover physically and emotionally.
2. Postnatal Anxiety
Many new mums experience heightened anxiety, but some develop an anxiety disorder that affects daily life.
Signs and Symptoms:
Excessive worry about the baby’s health, feeding, or sleeping
Panic attacks – heart racing, dizziness, shortness of breath
Feeling on edge, restless, or unable to relax
Obsessive checking on the baby
Physical symptoms like nausea, sweating, or trembling
What Partners Should Look Out For:
If mum is constantly worrying and unable to relax
Avoiding certain situations due to fear or anxiety
Experiencing frequent panic attacks
With my experience as a postnatal doula, I provide gentle guidance, relaxation techniques, and reassurance to help new parents manage postnatal anxiety and feel more confident in their new role.
3. Postnatal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Birth Trauma
Some mothers develop PTSD due to a traumatic birth experience, which can affect their emotional well-being.
Signs and Symptoms:
Flashbacks or nightmares about the birth
Avoidance of talking about the birth or certain situations (e.g., hospitals)
Hypervigilance – constantly on high alert
Feeling detached, numb, or emotionally distant
Anxiety or panic attacks
What Partners Should Look Out For:
Avoidance of discussions about the birth
Signs of distress when recalling birth events
Hyper-alertness or being easily startled
Through birth debriefing and emotional support, I help mothers process their birth experiences, promoting healing and recovery.
4. Postnatal Psychosis
This is a rare but serious condition that requires urgent medical attention. It typically develops within the first few weeks after birth.
Signs and Symptoms:
Extreme mood swings (highs and lows)
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
Delusions (believing things that aren’t true)
Confusion, restlessness, or paranoia
Risk of harm to self or baby
What Partners Should Look Out For:
Sudden drastic changes in behaviour
Mum talking about hearing voices or believing things that don’t make sense
Disconnection from reality
Any talk of harming herself or the baby (seek immediate medical help)
Seeking Help and Support
If a new mum is struggling with postnatal mental health issues, support is available:
Professional Help:
GP or Health Visitor – First point of contact for medical support
Counselling or Therapy – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or other therapies can help
Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Teams – Support for severe cases
Medication – Sometimes prescribed alongside therapy (discuss with a GP)
Self-Help Strategies:
Rest when possible – Accept help from family and friends
Eat well and stay hydrated – Nutrition plays a role in mental well-being
Practice mindfulness, deep breathing, or relaxation techniques
Spend time outdoors – Fresh air and movement can help lift mood
Join a support group – Speaking to other mums can be reassuring
Support from a Postnatal Doula:
Emotional support to help mothers process their birth experience
Practical assistance with baby care and household tasks
Guidance on infant feeding and sleep strategies
Helping partners feel confident in supporting their loved one
Creating a calm and reassuring environment for recovery
As a postnatal doula, I work with new families to reduce stress, build confidence, and ensure both parents feel supported during this transition.
I think the following sites are great for providing resources, practical help and treatment to recover from mental health challenges and birth trauma.
Mind’s goal is to empower people to understand their mental health and the choices available to them through their confidential phone support, a legal lie offering information on mental health law and local support groups across England & Wales offering specialised support and care based on the needs of the specific community.
https://www.traumaticbirthrecovery.com/
As a clinical Hypnotherapist, Alexandra Heath provides the 3 Step Rewind Programme to help parents recover from trauma. In her words: ‘Problems with trauma symptoms, anxiety and depression are unsurprisingly common for parents navigating the choppy waters of fertility, pregnancy, birth, post natal recovery and the first year. ‘ She supports parents so that they can navigate these challenges and go on to thrive with their families.
https://www.makebirthbetter.org
A collective of experts who bring together lived experience and extensive professional knowledge of birth trauma and vicarious trauma. They support both parents and professionals impacted by birth trauma, we offer a wide range of training and we raise our voices through campaigning.
Postnatal mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, but no mother should struggle alone. Recognising the signs early, seeking professional support, and having a strong support network can make a huge difference in recovery.
If you or a loved one are struggling, reach out to a GP, health visitor, or a perinatal mental health professional. Postnatal doulas like myself offer compassionate, hands-on support to help new mums and dads adjust to life with a newborn, ensuring that parents feel nurtured, informed, and empowered. Remember, help is available, and recovery is possible. No mother should feel alone in this journey.
There is a wealth of information out there but sometimes it can be hard to know which sources to trust. If you’re based in North London and want some good quality advice, taken from years of experience as a postnatal doula, check out my services or book in a call with me to see whether I can help!