Postpartum Depression & Anxiety Support in Manhattan Beach
Becoming a mother can bring joy alongside exhaustion, worry, and emotions you may not have expected. Postpartum depression and anxiety are common and treatable, and they are never a sign of weakness or a reflection of how much you love your baby. At Cove Midwifery and Women's Health in Manhattan Beach, CA , emotional health screening is built into every stage of your care, and our team responds with compassion, time, and coordinated support from perinatal mental health specialists.
Baby Blues or Something More?
Many new mothers experience the “baby blues” in the first two weeks after birth, including tearfulness, mood swings, and feeling overwhelmed. These feelings usually fade on their own. When symptoms are more intense, last longer than two weeks, or make it hard to care for yourself or your baby, it may be a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. These conditions can begin during pregnancy or anytime in the first year after birth.
Common Signs
- Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Constant worry, racing thoughts, or a sense of dread
- Irritability, anger, or feeling disconnected from your baby
- Difficulty sleeping even when your baby is sleeping
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Intrusive, unwanted thoughts that feel frightening
- Panic attacks, a racing heart, or shortness of breath
If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call 911 or the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262 right away.
Screening Throughout Pregnancy and Postpartum
Because we see you regularly during prenatal care and early postpartum care, we notice changes and ask the questions that matter. We use validated screening tools during pregnancy and after birth, and our longer appointments give you room to share how you are really feeling. Risk factors such as a personal or family history of depression or anxiety, a difficult birth, feeding struggles, sleep deprivation, and limited support are all things we talk through openly.
How We Support You
- Coordinated mental health care: Direct referrals to perinatal mental health specialists in our integrative network.
- Medical evaluation: Checking for physical contributors such as thyroid changes or anemia, with our in-practice OB/GYNs involved when medication is considered.
- Feeding support: Our lactation support team helps ease one of the biggest sources of early postpartum stress.
- Community: Cove Circles group visits through the Cove Concierge Membership connect you with other South Bay mothers.
- Direct access: The ability to reach your midwives between visits when you need guidance.
Preparing Before Baby Arrives
Planning ahead can make a real difference. Our childbirth education classes cover the emotional side of the fourth trimester, and we encourage families to build a postpartum support plan before labor and delivery. Learn more about our care team or browse other conditions we treat.
Postpartum Depression & Anxiety FAQs
How common is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression affects roughly 1 in 7 new mothers, and postpartum anxiety is similarly common. Both are treatable.
What is the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression?
Baby blues are mild mood changes that fade within about two weeks. Postpartum depression is more intense, lasts longer, and interferes with daily life.
Can depression or anxiety start during pregnancy?
Yes. Perinatal mood disorders can begin during pregnancy, which is why we screen throughout prenatal care.
Can I take medication for postpartum depression while breastfeeding?
Several medications are considered compatible with breastfeeding. Your care team will review options with you.
Will I be judged for sharing how I feel?
Never. Many mothers experience these feelings, and sharing them is the first step toward feeling better.
Does Cove offer mental health support?
We screen for mood and anxiety disorders and coordinate care with perinatal mental health specialists in our integrative network.
What should I do if I feel unsafe?
If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call 911 or the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262 immediately.
You Don’t Have to Feel This Way Alone
Support is available, and you deserve to feel like yourself again. Call Cove Midwifery and Women's Health at (844) 808-COVE or request an appointment to talk with our team.