Postpartum Anxiety vs Regular Anxiety

{watch the video above to learn more}

Postpartum Anxiety vs Anxiety

The number one confusion moms face is whether they are still postpartum or not. Today, we're discussing postpartum anxiety versus regular anxiety to help clarify who you should seek help from and how to begin healing naturally.

So, what’s the difference between postpartum anxiety and regular anxiety?

Even if you search Google right now, you'll find postpartum defined as the time after childbirth, lasting up to six weeks. But does that mean you’ll feel like yourself after six weeks? For me, it took over two years to feel “normal” again. The truth is that postpartum can be any time after pregnancy, and it varies for every woman. Some moms feel postpartum symptoms well beyond the six-week mark, some even after eight years.

Adding to the confusion is the onset of perimenopause, which brings its own set of changes. Gary Brea mentions that during both postpartum and perimenopause, our bodies go through a process called lead dumping, where heavy metals stored in the body are released. This can cause numbness, shaking, fever, joint discomfort, and more. I remember feeling like I was in perimenopause after having my twins, which only complicated the anxiety I was experiencing.

Because the symptoms of postpartum anxiety and regular anxiety overlap, it can be hard to know who to seek help from. Should you see a postpartum specialist or a general practitioner? My advice is to seek guidance from someone who has experienced what you're going through, as many practitioners now specialize in areas informed by their own journeys.

Now, what about regular anxiety? Regular anxiety may affect those who haven’t had children, such as men, teenagers, or people who’ve been through trauma. Both postpartum and regular anxiety often involve nutrient deficiencies, particularly with the MTHFR gene, which affects how we process folic acid. Gut health issues like dysbiosis or leaky gut syndrome are also common in those with anxiety or depression.

Both groups can benefit from nervous system regulation, which helps manage stress and bounce back from anxiety faster. A key difference might be whether you’re breastfeeding, but more importantly, postpartum moms often face nutrient gaps that aren't being addressed. Rachel Cela from Innate Tradition says postpartum is any time after pregnancy, meaning that even women who’ve experienced miscarriage or loss can deal with postpartum symptoms.

Postpartum is not limited to depression. Anxiety, depression, and other symptoms after birth are unique to each woman. Nutrient deficiencies often lie at the root of this anxiety. Dr. Amanda Rose of "Rebuild from Depression" shares that her grandmother struggled with postpartum depression her entire life due to nutrient gaps, which highlights the long-term impact of these deficiencies.

Think about how much blood you've lost during childbirth, whether it was your first baby, a subsequent pregnancy, or even twins. If you've experienced significant blood loss, you’re likely depleted in iron, B vitamins, zinc, omega-3s, and protein. Most of my clients struggling with postpartum anxiety aren’t eating enough protein or getting the necessary amino acids, which we’ll dive deeper into in future videos.

For now, focus on your diet, supplements, medications, and digestive health. Also, ask yourself if you have a practice to help you feel calm, or if you’re just pushing through the day while feeling constantly triggered by your environment.

xo

Tara

P.S. I teach these strategies through the Present Momma Framework.