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Understanding PMADs – What Every New & Expectant Mother Should Know
- Christina Lundy
- Sep 24
- 3 min read
Pregnancy and postpartum are times of enormous physical, emotional, and hormonal change. While it’s often painted as a joyful season, many mothers quietly face struggles that deserve more attention, compassion, and clinical support.
Today, we’re talking openly about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)—what they are, how they show up, and how you can get help.
If you’re not feeling like yourself lately, please know this: You are not alone. You are not to blame. And with the right support, you will feel better.
What Are PMADs?
PMADs are a group of mental health conditions that affect individuals during pregnancy and the postpartum period. They are the most common complication of childbirth—more common than gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or preterm labor.
These disorders include:
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
Postpartum Anxiety
Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Postpartum PTSD (after birth trauma)
Postpartum Bipolar Disorder
Postpartum Psychosis (rare but serious)
PMADs can occur anytime during pregnancy or within the first year after birth. They affect 1 in 5 new mothers—and even more in communities of color, those with prior trauma, or limited support.
Signs & Symptoms to Look Out For:
Every person’s experience is different, but here are common signs to watch for:
Emotional symptoms:
Persistent sadness or hopelessness
Excessive worry or panic
Feeling overwhelmed or trapped
Anger or rage
Difficulty bonding with the baby
Intrusive thoughts (e.g., fears of harm coming to the baby)
Physical & behavioral symptoms:
Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
Appetite changes (eating too much or too little)
Sleep issues (can’t sleep even when baby sleeps)
Withdrawing from friends/family
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
If these symptoms last more than two weeks and interfere with daily life, it’s time to reach out for help.
What Causes PMADs?
PMADs don’t have one single cause. Instead, they can result from a combination of:
Hormonal shifts
Sleep deprivation
Personal or family history of mental health conditions
Birth complications or trauma
Lack of social support
Stressful life events (e.g., job loss, housing instability, relationship challenges)
It’s important to remember: PMADs are medical conditions. They are not a reflection of your love for your baby or your capability as a mother.
Treatment & Support Options
The good news? PMADs are highly treatable—with the right care plan.
Treatment may include:
Therapy (especially with a perinatal mental health specialist)
Support groups for new and expectant moms
Medication, when appropriate and in consultation with a provider
Lifestyle changes like better sleep, nutrition, movement, and boundaries
Doula or postpartum support to lighten the daily load
How Your Doula Can Help
As doulas, we provide emotional, physical, and informational support—and that includes looking out for signs of PMADs. We’re trained to recognize when something isn’t quite right and help you get connected to resources.
If you ever feel “off” or “not like yourself,” you don’t have to explain it alone. We’re here to listen, validate, and support your next step—whether that’s a warm cup of tea, a therapy referral, or someone to hold the baby while you rest.
When to Seek Immediate Help
If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby—or feel detached and unable to function—reach out for help immediately:
Postpartum Support International Helpline: 1-800-944-4773 (Text: 503-894-9453)
Emergency Help: Call 911 or visit your nearest ER
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Available 24/7
Final Word, Mama
You deserve to feel well. You deserve to be supported. PMADs are common, treatable, and not your fault.
Let’s make space in our community to talk about the hard parts of motherhood—not just the highlights. You are not alone, and you are deeply worthy of care.
Resources:
Local maternal mental health providers (ask your doula for referrals)
Your OB, midwife, or primary care provider
Christina Lundy is a certified birth & postpartum doula, certified childbirth educator, doula trainer, and agency owner. She’s located in East Atlanta and serves all of Metro Atlanta. She has 5 kiddos, whom she loves dearly. When she isn’t busy with a client or newer doula, you can find her outside in her garden, painting, or reading. Check out her instagram here.
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