Feeling Overwhelmed, Stuck, or Not Yourself? A Therapist’s Guide to the Most Googled Pain Points New and Expecting Moms Face
If you’ve found yourself typing “Why am I so overwhelmed as a new mom?”, “Is it normal to feel anxious during pregnancy?”, or “Why does moving with a baby feel impossible?”, you’re not alone—and you’re not failing.
As a therapist specializing in perinatal mental health, I see the same pattern over and over: smart, capable women who are carrying more than anyone realizes while silently wondering why everything feels so heavy.
This post breaks down the most common stress points moms Google daily—and what to do when they start affecting your mental health.
1. “Why am I so overwhelmed as a new mom?”
(Googled terms: new mom overwhelmed, postpartum burnout, mental load of motherhood)
The mental load of motherhood hits fast. Suddenly you’re managing nap schedules, feeding routines, doctor appointments, pumping, healing, and trying to remember what day it is. Even if you’re a high-achieving, organized person, postpartum life can feel like stepping into chaos.
What’s really happening:
Your brain is under massive transition—sleep deprivation, hormone shifts, and a constantly activated fight-or-flight system. You’re not “doing it wrong.” You’re adapting.
When it becomes a problem:
You can’t relax even when the baby is safe
You feel guilty for wanting a break
You’re running on autopilot
Everything feels like “too much”
2. “Am I dealing with postpartum anxiety or just stress?”
(Googled terms: postpartum anxiety symptoms, racing thoughts after baby, intrusive thoughts motherhood)
Postpartum anxiety is one of the most underdiagnosed issues in the perinatal period because it often looks like “being a responsible mom.”
Typical signs:
Racing thoughts, especially at night
Intrusive worries (ex: “What if something happens to the baby?”)
Overchecking, overthinking, or perfectionism
Constant tension or physical symptoms
If you’re Googling “why can’t I turn my brain off?” — this one’s for you.
3. “Why does moving with a baby feel impossible?”
(Googled terms: moving with an infant, relocation stress, starting over in a new city with baby)
Moving is already overwhelming. Combine that with postpartum hormones, a disrupted support system, new routines, and sleep unpredictability—and it becomes one of the top triggers for anxiety and decision fatigue.
Common emotional reactions to moving with a baby:
Feeling uprooted or ungrounded
Missing your old support system
Second-guessing every decision
Fear of starting over
Worries about childcare, safety, or schools
Your brain is craving stability at a time when everything is shifting.
4. “Why do I feel guilty for struggling?”
(Googled terms: mom guilt, why am I so hard on myself as a mom, am I a bad mom for needing help)
If guilt is showing up every time you:
Ask for help
Need space
Feel touched out
Can’t keep up
Don’t enjoy every moment
… this is emotional overload, not personal failure.
Mom guilt often shows up as:
Feeling like you “should” be handling more
Comparing yourself to other moms online
Believing others have it together
Feeling like your feelings are “too much”
This isn’t a character flaw—it’s the impossible expectations moms are handed.
5. “How do I know if I need therapy?”
(Googled terms: do I need postpartum therapy, signs I need a therapist, burnout vs depression)
You don’t need to “hit rock bottom” to benefit from support.
You might need therapy if you’re experiencing:
Frequent overwhelm or irritability
Loss of identity
Emotional numbness
Persistent worry
Difficulty sleeping even when the baby is asleep
Feeling disconnected from yourself or your partner
Not recognizing who you are anymore
Therapy is not about labeling you—it's about supporting you through one of the biggest transitions of your life.
What You Can Do Today to Feel More Like Yourself
Here are evidence-based steps that help most new and expecting moms I work with:
1. Stop trying to “push through.”
Rest isn’t optional—it’s required for a regulated nervous system.
2. Normalize your thoughts.
Intrusive thoughts, overwhelm, and emotional ups and downs happen. You’re not broken.
3. Build a small, realistic support routine.
Even 10-minute grounding practices can reset your whole day.
4. Ask for help earlier than you think.
You’re not supposed to carry this alone.
If You’re Reading This, You’re Already Doing Something Important
You’re looking for answers. You’re trying to understand what you’re feeling. You’re taking yourself seriously. That matters.
If any of this sounds familiar and you want support that’s validating, warm, and grounded in perinatal mental health expertise, I’d love to help you navigate this season with more calm, clarity, and confidence.
