Pregnancy and the early months with a new baby can bring incredible joy—but they can also bring worry, exhaustion, uncertainty, and emotions that may feel difficult to understand or talk about. Struggling does not mean you are a bad mother, and you do not have to face these feelings alone.
Many women experience changes in their mood and emotional well-being during pregnancy and after birth. Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, sad, disconnected, or simply not like yourself can be difficult to share, especially when you feel like you are supposed to be happy.
There is no shame in asking for help. There is no judgment here.
Families, friends, healthcare providers, and communities all have an important role in supporting mothers. Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is listen, offer reassurance, help with the baby or daily responsibilities like cooking, cleaning or other children, or simply remind a mother that she does not have to do everything on her own.
If you are struggling, please speak up. Tell someone you trust. Talk with your healthcare provider. Reach out for support. Your mental health matters—not only for you, but for your baby and your entire family.
You don’t have to be okay all the time.
You don’t have to do this alone.
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not failure.
Every mother deserves compassion, support, and a safe place to talk about how she is really feeling.
Maternal Mental Health Resources
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746)
Free, confidential, 24/7 support for pregnant and postpartum women, including emotional support, resources, and referrals. Arkansas Department of Health and Arkansas Children’s currently list this number.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for immediate crisis support. For an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
1-800-944-4773
Provides perinatal mental-health information, peer support, support groups, and referrals to trained providers. PSI also has an Arkansas Chapter and a provider directory.
UAMS Women’s Mental Health Program
This is one of the most important specialized resources in Arkansas. The program provides psychiatric care for women during the reproductive period, including pregnancy and postpartum, and has multidisciplinary expertise in perinatal psychiatric conditions and substance-use disorders.
Women’s Mental Health Program:
501-526-8201
The program also provides consultative support to providers across Arkansas, which is particularly important from a statewide systems perspective. Arkansas Children’s specifically identifies the program as a resource for perinatal care providers throughout the state.
UAMS Health – Women’s Mental Health Clinic
•(501) 526-8201
There is also a Northwest Arkansas/UAMS Psychiatry presence in Fayetteville, providing access to UAMS psychiatric services outside Central Arkansas.
UAMS Health – Psychiatry Clinic
•(479) 713-8350