A new mom feels sad, anxious or not herself after having a baby
Use when a mom who is pregnant or had a baby in the last year feels sad, worried, numb, angry or not like herself, or her family is worried about her.
In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Safety check first
You can ask"Have you had thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby?"
Seeing or hearing things that are not there, very confused, not sleeping at all for days, very suspicious, or talking about harming herself or the baby: this can be postpartum psychosis. It is an emergency. Call 911 or go to the ER now.
Do not leave her alone, and do not leave her alone with the baby, until help is there.
You can say"A lot of new moms feel this way. It is not your fault, and it does not make you a bad mom."
Baby blues: crying, mood swings, worry and feeling tired in the first 2 weeks after birth. It is very common and goes away on its own.
Postpartum depression or anxiety: sad, empty, hopeless, very worried, or not able to sleep or eat for more than 2 weeks. It can start any time in the first year.
3Someone to talk to today
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (HRSA)
24/7 call or text support for pregnant and new mothers
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week. See how →
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.