(Spoiler: You don’t need to wait until you're crying into a cold cup of coffee at 3 a.m.)

Bringing a new baby into the world is a momentous and beautiful thing. It's also... a lot. We're talking sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and questioning everything from your swaddle technique to your sanity (sometimes all before 10 a.m).

At Flourish Wellness Collective, we want you to know this:
You don’t have to have it all together. And you definitely don’t have to go through this alone.

What Is “Normal” After Birth?

Ah, the “baby blues”, aka the emotional rollercoaster where you cry because your partner brought you the wrong snack, but also because they tried so hard. These mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and tearful moments usually kick in around day 4 or 5 postpartum and taper off within a couple of weeks.

Totally normal. Hormones are wild.

But if you're weeks (or months) in and still feeling like a sleep-deprived zombie on an emotional tightrope, it might be more than the typical adjustment period. And that’s OK. You’re not broken - you’re just human.

Signs It Might Be Time to Call in Backup

Here’s the thing: you don’t need to wait for a “rock bottom” moment. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it might be time to reach out:

Persistent sadness or crying (and not just over heartwarming diaper commercials)
Feeling like you’re going through the motions, but not really there
Struggling to bond with your baby (or even wondering if you’re a “bad parent”)
Rage that comes out of nowhere or mood swings that rival a soap opera plotline
Intrusive thoughts or intense worry that won’t turn off, no matter how many deep breaths you take
Difficulty sleeping even when the baby is finally asleep (unfair, right?)
Appetite changes or no longer enjoying things you used to love — like hot coffee or uninterrupted silence

Postpartum anxiety can also show up as constant “what ifs,” racing thoughts, or a stomach doing backflips for no apparent reason.

Early Support = Less Suffering

Struggling doesn’t mean you’re not a good parent. It doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re doing one of the hardest jobs in the world, and your brain and body are asking for support. Reaching out early can make all the difference, helping you feel more like yourself sooner and easing the emotional load that can weigh down even the strongest of moms (and dads, too!).

How Flourish Wellness Collective Can Help

Whether you're googling "Is it normal to cry because the burp cloth is on the wrong side?" or just feel like something's off—we’re here. Many of our providers have specialized training in perinatal mental health and offer support that’s both professional and deeply compassionate.

Here’s how we can help:

Therapy for postpartum depression and anxiety (no judgment, just support)
Medication management with our psychiatric provider (if that’s part of your plan)
Pelvic floor physical therapy to support your healing body (yes, sneezing shouldn’t be scary)
Doula services, family classes and groups for connection, education, and “oh good, it’s not just me” moments

Ready to Talk?

If you or someone you love is in the thick of it, please know you don’t have to wait until you’re unraveling to get help. Whether you're feeling "meh" or in full-blown meltdown mode, we're here for it—and for you.

Contact us today

📍 Serving Wichita and surrounding areas
💻 In person and via telehealth

Final Thoughts (aka your permission slip)

You don’t need to be on the verge of collapse to deserve support.

You don’t have to justify your feelings.

You don’t have to do it all on your own.

You’re allowed to not be okay AND still be an amazing parent.
Let’s help you feel like you again. Let’s help you flourish.

Navigating Postpartum Mental Health: When to Seek Support