Feeling Off After Baby? Postnatal Support for Livingston County Families

Becoming a parent is a big change, and it’s normal to experience ups and downs along the way.

But sometimes the feelings that come during pregnancy or after having a baby can be signs that a parent needs some additional support.

If you’re feeling off after baby, you’re not alone.  Help is available.

Feeling Off After Baby?

Perinatal mental health concerns can look different from person to person. Some signs to pay attention to include:

These feelings can begin during pregnancy or within the first year after birth. The first weeks after delivering a baby involve significant physical and hormonal changes, and birth and parenting experiences can affect emotional well-being, too.

Perinatal mental health concerns can happen to anyone, regardless of background. Recognizing that something doesn’t feel right and reaching out for support is an important first step.

Keep These Resources Handy

Great Start Livingston created a Postnatal Resource Card to put important information in one place for parents, caregivers, healthcare providers, and community partners.

One side helps families recognize possible signs of a perinatal mental health concern. The other provides trusted resources and places to turn for support.

Click either side of the card to view, save, or print the full resource.

Where Can I Turn for Support?

You don’t have to wait for a scheduled appointment to tell your healthcare provider that something doesn’t feel right.

The Postnatal Resource Card also connects families with additional sources of support.

Postpartum Support International

Postpartum Support International (PSI) provides information, support, and connections for pregnant and postpartum families experiencing mental health challenges.

If You Need Immediate Support

More Pregnancy & Postnatal Resources

Mental health may be only one piece of what a new family is navigating.

Families may also have questions about feeding, infant development, crying, sleep, home visiting, WIC, child care, baby supplies, healthcare, basic needs, or simply what is normal during those first months.

Explore Resources for Babies & Young Families

Great Start Livingston’s Infants & Toddlers resource page brings together additional information for pregnant people, new parents, babies, toddlers, and young families in Livingston County.

You’ll find connections to programs and resources including WIC, Healthy Families Livingston, infant safety information, support for infant crying, postpartum support, and other community services.

Find Local Programs & Services

Great Start Livingston also maintains a Livingston County Community Resources for Pregnant People and Young Families guide.

Programs are organized by the primary services and supports they provide, helping families explore local options for pregnancy, parenting, health, development, basic needs, and other supports.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Sometimes a list of resources isn’t what you need.

Sometimes you need a person who can listen to what’s going on and help you figure out the next step.

That’s where Help Me Grow Livingston can help.

If you’re raising a young child and have questions about development, parenting, basic needs, local programs, developmental screening, or other family resources, a Care Coordinator can help connect you.

Share This With a New Parent

You don’t have to know whether someone is struggling to make sure they know support exists.

Save the Postnatal Resource Card. Share it with a friend. Keep it available in your office, program, or organization. Send it to someone who is expecting a baby or recently became a parent.

Knowing where to turn before you need help can make asking for support a little easier.