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Postpartum anxiety (PPA) is one of the most common and misunderstood challenges new mothers face.

PPA is not postpartum depression or psychosis.

Shortness of breath and frightening thoughts about the baby's safety are some signs of new mother anxiety.

Postpartum anxiety (PPA) is not postpartum depression or psychosis, as the Lindsay Clancy trial brought to light. Rather, postpartum anxiety is one of the most common and misunderstood conditions after childbirth, yet we don’t talk about it.

New mothers experience it to varying degrees. You could have constant worry, experience intrusive and frightening thoughts about the baby's safety, or exhibit excessive behaviors like checking the baby monitor every other second.

PPA is an element of what’s called “matrescence.” This refers to the holistic, developmental process of becoming a mother and includes hormonal, neurological, and emotional changes that you go through after your baby arrives. In some cases, this veritable metamorphosis can precipitate a sharp increase in anxiety in some new mothers that is underappreciated and has not been well explored in medicine.

Too many mothers have anxiety and feel misunderstood and, beyond that, feel isolated and alone. Katie Grant, a mother of one, had severe postpartum anxiety and wanted to make sure others didn’t have to suffer as she did.

She lived it and wanted to support new moms by relaying pointers and comforting reassurance in quick doses because, as she says, “you’ve only got 2 minutes and a baby on your hip!”

The beauty of The Postpartum Anxiety Cheat Sheet is that the pocket-sized book fits in your........

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