If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or struggling to connect with your baby, you’re not alone. Many new mothers experience symptoms of postnatal depression (PND)—from persistent sadness and anxiety to intrusive thoughts and emotional numbness. You might be asking yourself:
🔥 Why don’t I feel like myself anymore since becoming a mum?
🔥 Why do I keep replaying my birth experience over and over in my head?
🔥Will this feeling ever go away, my baby is healthy I should be happy?
PND is more common than many people realise, affecting up to 1 in 7 women after childbirth.
"Can I get PND right after giving birth?"
Yes, It can start right after birth or even months later, sometimes triggered by events like stopping breastfeeding, child sleep progressions and birth trauma. But the good news is, recovery is possible, and natural approaches like hypnotherapy can play a powerful role in healing.
How Hypnotherapy Supports Postnatal Depression Recovery
Hypnotherapy is a holistic, drug-free approach that helps new mothers regain control over their emotions, thoughts, and body. Research suggests that hypnosis can help with anxiety, PTSD, and emotional regulation, all of which are key factors in postnatal depression. As a holistic therapist I also use tools such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Rational Emotive Behaviour therapy in session with clients to maximise recovery.
A 2024 review published by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that hypnotherapy can effectively reduce symptoms of depression, stress, and trauma, making it a promising therapy for new mothers struggling with PND [oai_citation:1,www.apa.org](https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/evidence-based-practice-in-clinical-hypnosis).
What Does Postnatal Depression Feel Like?
PND looks different for every mother, but common symptoms include:
💔 Emotional overwhelm – Feeling anxious, weepy, or completely detached.
⚡️ Intrusive thoughts – Unwanted thoughts about harming yourself or feeling like you're failing as a mother.
🔥 Birth trauma replay – Constantly reliving a difficult birth experience.
🙌🏻 Loss of identity – Feeling like you don’t recognise yourself anymore.
👉 Guilt and shame – Feeling like you should be happy but instead feel numb or trapped.
When is Postnatal Depression at Its Worst and when does it peak?
For many mothers, the peak of postpartum depression occurs between 3 and 6 months after birth, when sleep deprivation, hormonal shifts, and identity changes reach their height. However, some women experience delayed postpartum depression—it can emerge even a year or more after giving birth.
Does Postnatal Depression Go Away on Its Own?
While some mild cases of PND may improve over time, most women benefit from professional support. Left untreated, symptoms can persist for months or even years. The sooner you seek help, the easier it is to heal.
When does Postnatal Depression end?
There can be many contributing factors to postnatal anxiety and depression, each individual person's experience is unique. Taking the time to connect with support and a professional who understands mental health and specialises in postpartum challenges can help you to better understand what is causing the symptoms. Techniques such as CBT and Hypnotherapy will help to give you some control over negative patterns of thinking that may be causing you to feel depressed.
Can Hypnotherapy Help You “Fight” Postnatal Depression Naturally?
Yes! Hypnotherapy can help to support symptoms of Depression & PND. Hypnotherapy is a safe, natural, and holistic approach to postnatal recovery. It can help you move OUT of the 'fight flight' response and into 'rest and repair' so the constant battle with anxiety and depression is no longer necessary. Here’s how it works:
🌼 Reprogramming negative thought patterns – Hypnosis helps break the cycle of self-doubt, guilt, and fear, replacing them with calm, confidence, and self-compassion.
🌸 Processing birth trauma – If you had a difficult birth, hypnotherapy can help reframe the experience, reducing flashbacks, anxiety, and emotional distress.
🌻 Regulating emotions – Hypnosis supports your nervous system, helping you feel more in control and reducing emotional highs and lows.
🌺 Reconnecting with your body – Many new mothers feel disconnected from their bodies after birth. Hypnotherapy helps rebuild a sense of safety, trust, and empowerment.
Who Specialises in Postnatal Depression?
At The Transformation Practice, I always recommend checking in with your GP to let them know how you are feeling and to discuss what options are available. I can offer a comprehensive range of holistic and complementary therapy services tailored to new mothers, to support your healing journey including:
✨ Clinical Hypnotherapy – Targeted sessions to reduce anxiety, depression, and trauma.
✨ Closing the Bones Postnatal Massage & Ceremony – A traditional healing practice to support emotional and physical recovery.
✨ EMDR Therapy – Evidence-based trauma therapy to process birth-related PTSD.
✨ Couples Therapy – Helping partners support each other through the postnatal period.
✨ Postnatal Doula Services – Providing hands-on emotional and practical support.
You Deserve Support—You Are Not Alone
If you’re struggling with postnatal depression, birth trauma, or overwhelming anxiety, know that you don’t have to go through it alone. Hypnotherapy and holistic postnatal care can help you feel like you again.
Ready to take the first step?
Book a free discovery call with Sinead to learn more about our hypnotherapy and postnatal support services. You deserve to heal, and we're here to help.
Comments