What to do now
MedlinePlus says thoughts of harming yourself or your baby call for 988 or 911.[2]
ACOG says to call your provider, another professional or emergency services right away for thoughts of hurting yourself or others.[3]
When it can start
Brazil's Ministry of Health says postpartum psychosis usually starts in the first 3 weeks after birth and needs care right away.[4]
For partners and family
ACOG says to call the provider right away if a partner or family member is worried, without waiting for the postpartum checkup.[3]
Help lines
HRSA says the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, 1-833-852-6262, takes calls and texts 24/7 in English and Spanish.[5] The 988 Lifeline takes calls and texts at 988, 24/7.[6]
Questions families ask
Is postpartum psychosis an emergency?
NIMH says it is a psychiatric emergency, and to call 911 or go to the emergency room.[1]
When does postpartum psychosis start?
Brazil's Ministry of Health says it usually starts in the first 3 weeks after birth.[4]
Free from UpOnly Learning. Written for families of every faith. No outside ads and no affiliate links. Every fact on this page comes from the sources listed below. How we source and review these pages
Updated 2026-10-24: first published.
Sources
All sources were opened and checked on the date shown.
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIH). Perinatal Depression. Checked October 24, 2026.
- MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine). Postpartum Depression. Checked October 24, 2026.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Postpartum Depression. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Ministério da Saúde (Brasil). Depressão pós-parto. In Portuguese. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. Checked October 24, 2026.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Checked October 24, 2026.