Being a new mom isn’t easy. Between juggling work, motherhood, relationships, and the mounting pressure to “bounce back” quickly and flawlessly, many women are silently burning out. Society expects them to do it all—return to work, care for a newborn, maintain a home, and somehow still smile through it. It’s no surprise that maternal mental health is in crisis.
From 2016 to 2023, there was a 64 percent increase in new mothers reporting poor to fair mental health. Even more alarming, approximately 17 percent of new moms suffer from postpartum PTSD, often triggered by traumatic birthing experiences. These numbers aren’t just statistics—they’re a wake-up call.
So what’s behind the rise in maternal mental health struggles? And more importantly, what can be done to help?
BlackDoctor.org spoke with Dr. Kiki Ramsey, PhD, CEO & Founder of Kiki Ramsey International and PPCaDI, Positive Psychologist, and Master Certified Coach, to break down the issue and share practical tools for healing and hope.
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Why Are So Many New Moms Struggling? The Top Driving Factors
According to Dr. Ramsey, postpartum PTSD often flies under the radar because new moms are conditioned to “push through” their pain. But the reality is more complex, and multiple factors are at play:
- Cultural Expectations of Happiness – New moms are expected to be joyful, not overwhelmed or traumatized.
- The Urge to Push Through – Many women suppress their symptoms, believing it’s just part of the journey.
- Confusion with Postpartum Depression – PTSD symptoms are often mistaken for typical postpartum mood shifts.
Moreover, mothers of color, single moms, women with past trauma, or those with limited support systems are at significantly higher risk.
“They often face more stress and fewer resources,” Dr. Ramsey explains. “Targeted support—such as culturally aware care and community programs—can make a significant difference by meeting their specific needs and closing the care gap.”
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What Is Postpartum PTSD—and Why Is No One Talking About It?
Postpartum PTSD stems from traumatic childbirth or complications during pregnancy and delivery. Yet it’s often overshadowed by more commonly recognized conditions like postpartum depression.
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Key contributing factors include:
- Financial Pressure – Childcare costs, unpaid leave, and economic stress weigh heavily.
- “Bounce Back” Culture – Unrealistic expectations to quickly recover both physically and emotionally.
- Lack of Support – Many moms feel isolated and unsupported, especially in nuclear family settings.
- Social Media – Endless images of “perfect” motherhood create damaging comparisons.
“Postpartum PTSD is stigmatized because people expect new moms to be happy and glowing, not struggling,” Dr. Ramsey says. “Many feel ashamed to speak up, especially if their birth was traumatic. But open, compassionate conversations give moms permission to be real and get the support they need.”
5 Red Flag Signs a New Mom May Be Experiencing Postpartum PTSD
Dr. Ramsey encourages moms to listen to their inner voice and recognize the signs that something may be wrong:
- Flashbacks or intrusive memories of a traumatic birth experience
- Disconnection from the baby or loved ones
- Hypervigilance and chronic anxiety
- Guilt or shame about not being a “good enough” mom
- Avoidance behaviors, especially anything that reminds them of childbirth
If these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks or interfere with your ability to care for yourself or your baby, it’s time to get help.
“If her support system notices she’s not herself—pulling away, overwhelmed—it’s crucial to speak up with love and encourage her to talk to a professional,” Dr. Ramsey adds.
When and How to Seek Help
Healthcare providers and birthing professionals play a critical role in maternal mental wellness. Their support should be continuous, not just during delivery, but before and long after.
- Before birth: Educate, listen to concerns, and set realistic expectations
- During birth: Provide emotional support and reduce fear through compassionate communication
- After birth: Check in regularly, both physically and emotionally, and offer mental health resources
3 Simple Yet Powerful Tools to Help Reduce Postpartum Depression
Struggling with postpartum depression? These three tools can make a profound difference:
- Therapy – Trauma-informed counseling provides a safe, guided path to healing
- Connection – Support from trusted friends, partners, or mom groups breaks the isolation
- Self-Compassion – Letting go of perfection, embracing rest, and being kind to yourself
“Therapy gives you space to process. Connection reminds you that you’re not alone. Self-compassion helps you navigate the hard days with grace,” Dr. Ramsey says.
Preparing for Birth: Mental Readiness Is Key
Mental preparation is just as important as physical readiness. Expectant moms can build emotional resilience by:
- Educating themselves about birth
- Creating a flexible birth plan
- Practicing mindfulness or relaxation
- Assembling a strong support team
“Let go of the pressure to have a ‘perfect’ birth,” Dr. Ramsey advises. “Focus on caring for yourself through it all.”
RELATED: Postpartum Depression: What Every Black Mom Needs To Know
How Families and Communities Can Help
Support doesn’t always mean big gestures. Sometimes, the most powerful actions are the simplest:
- Listen without judgment
- Offer help, whether it’s a meal, a nap break, or babysitting
- Check in consistently and normalize seeking help
- Encourage therapy, if needed
“Most of all, remind her she’s not alone—and that it’s OK not to be OK,” Dr. Ramsey concludes.
The Bottom Line
Postpartum PTSD and depression aren’t signs of weakness—they’re signs that you have been through something real, raw, and often overwhelming. By reducing stigma, encouraging honest conversations, and providing meaningful support, we can start rewriting the story for new moms everywhere.
