In light of recent news, postpartum psychosis has been getting more (very well-deserved) attention. Naturally, people who are pregnant or postpartum may have questions and even anxiety about it. What does postpartum psychosis actually look like? Who is at higher risk? And what should you do if you notice symptoms in yourself or someone you love?

After having a baby, parenting decisions can start to feel much bigger than they actually are. What begins as: “What feels right for our family?” can slowly turn into: “What if I make the wrong choice and harm my child?” You may find yourself overthinking decisions for hours, researching endlessly, comparing yourself to other parents online, or feeling intense guilt when the “ideal” option does not feel realistic or sustainable.

Pregnancy and birth involve a lot of interaction with the medical system. For some people, that feels supportive. For others, it can feel overwhelming, exposing, or hard to navigate, especially if you’ve had difficult experiences in medical settings before. A trauma-informed approach to pregnancy and birth focuses on care that feels as safe, respectful, and collaborative as possible. This isn’t about controlling every outcome. It’s about how you are treated throughout the pro