Postpartum depression and anxiety: getting psychiatric help in Milan
By Federico Baranzini · Updated 2026-07-15
The period after having a baby is supposed to feel a certain way, which makes it especially hard to notice when what you’re experiencing has crossed from ordinary adjustment into something that needs professional attention. Postpartum depression and anxiety are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of asking for help with.
The baby blues versus something more
A large share of new parents experience the “baby blues”: mood swings, tearfulness, and mild anxiety in the days after birth, usually resolving within about two weeks as hormones and sleep patterns adjust. Postpartum depression is different: it lasts longer, feels more intense, and gets in the way of caring for yourself or your baby, rather than being a passing wave of emotion.
| Signal | Baby blues | Postpartum depression or anxiety |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Days, resolves within about two weeks | Persists past two weeks, or worsens |
| Intensity | Mild, fluctuating | Persistent, affects daily functioning |
| Bonding with baby | Generally intact | Can feel disconnected or numb |
| Thoughts | Occasional worry | Persistent worry, intrusive thoughts, or hopelessness |
| Self-care | Manageable | Difficult to maintain |
Postpartum anxiety in particular is often under-recognized because it doesn’t always come with low mood; persistent worry, racing thoughts about the baby’s safety, or physical symptoms like a pounding heart can occur on their own.
What a psychiatric evaluation covers in this period
An evaluation with an adult psychiatrist during the perinatal period typically covers your mood and anxiety history before and during pregnancy, sleep and appetite since the birth, how you’re bonding with your baby, and any intrusive or distressing thoughts you may be hesitant to mention unprompted. Being upfront about intrusive thoughts, even ones that feel alarming to say out loud, is important: these are more common than most new parents realize and are a recognized symptom, not a sign of danger to your baby in the vast majority of cases.
Medication and breastfeeding
One of the most common questions is whether medication is compatible with breastfeeding. Several antidepressants are widely considered appropriate to use while breastfeeding and are commonly prescribed in this situation, but the right choice depends on the specific medication, dose, and your individual circumstances. This decision works best as a conversation between you, your psychiatrist, and often your baby’s pediatrician, rather than something decided from general information alone.
Coordinating your care
Perinatal mental health tends to work best with a bit of coordination between providers: your psychiatrist, your obstetrician or gynecologist, and your baby’s pediatrician, particularly around any medication questions. It’s reasonable to ask your psychiatrist directly whether they’re comfortable coordinating with these other providers, and to give consent for that communication if you want it.
Pregnancy itself, not just after birth
Mood and anxiety symptoms can start during pregnancy rather than only after birth, and are sometimes overlooked because they’re attributed to normal pregnancy discomfort or hormonal change. If you’re pregnant and noticing persistent low mood, anxiety, or intrusive worry, raising it with your obstetrician or a psychiatrist during pregnancy, rather than waiting until after delivery, allows treatment planning to happen before the added demands of a newborn arrive.
Partners and support at home matter too
A partner or close family member noticing changes, more withdrawn, more anxious, sleeping even when the baby sleeps versus never resting at all, can often spot patterns before the new parent themselves is able to step back and see them clearly. If you’re a partner or family member concerned about someone in this period, raising it gently and offering to help arrange an evaluation, rather than waiting for them to bring it up first, is a genuinely useful role to play.
If you’re struggling right now
If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, that needs immediate attention: contact emergency services or a hospital directly rather than waiting for a scheduled appointment. Short of that level of urgency, reaching out for an evaluation as soon as symptoms feel like more than a passing rough patch is the right move, not something to delay until it feels unbearable. For a broader look at recognizing when a situation has become a crisis, see our guide on recognizing a mental health crisis and what to do first.
This article offers general information about postpartum mental health and is not a substitute for a professional evaluation of your specific situation.
Find psychiatrists in Milan experienced with perinatal mental health on the directory, scored using our methodology.
FAQ
- How is postpartum depression different from the baby blues?
- The baby blues are common, mild, and typically resolve within about two weeks after birth. Postpartum depression lasts longer, is more intense, and interferes with your ability to function or care for yourself and your baby. If low mood persists past two weeks or worsens, it's worth an evaluation.
- Is it safe to take psychiatric medication while breastfeeding?
- Some medications are considered compatible with breastfeeding and are commonly prescribed in this situation, but this decision should be made with a psychiatrist who can weigh your specific medication, dose, and circumstances, not decided alone.
- Can postpartum anxiety happen without depression?
- Yes. Postpartum anxiety is common and can occur on its own, presenting as persistent worry, intrusive thoughts, or physical symptoms like a racing heart, separate from or alongside low mood.
- Who else should be involved in my care during this period?
- Coordination between your psychiatrist, your gynecologist or obstetrician, and your baby's pediatrician tends to give the fullest picture, especially around medication decisions during breastfeeding.