Family Matters: Supporting Moms During the Early Postpartum Period
Why Family Support Matters After Birth
Postpartum mood and anxiety disorders don’t just affect new mothers — they affect the entire family system. When one family member struggles, everyone feels the ripple effects.
At the Center for Postpartum & Family Health (CPFH), we often see that families truly want to help but simply don’t know how. Without firsthand experience of what postpartum depression or anxiety feels like, partners and loved ones may misinterpret symptoms — leaving the new mom feeling isolated, misunderstood, or even guilty for not feeling the joy she expected.
The good news? When families learn how to communicate and offer the right kind of support, they can become one of the strongest protective factors in a mother’s recovery.
How Do Postpartum Disorders Affect Families?
Postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) — including postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and adjustment disorders — can change how a new mom thinks, feels, and relates to others.
Common family impacts include:
Increased stress and tension between partners
Misunderstandings about the mother’s symptoms (“Why can’t she just cheer up?”)
Emotional distance as family members withdraw or feel helpless
Exhaustion and overwhelm for partners who are unsure how to help
These patterns are normal but can worsen symptoms if left unaddressed. That’s why family education and therapy are so powerful — they help everyone understand the illness, reduce blame, and rebuild connection.
What Not to Say — and What Helps Instead
Even well-meaning words can sometimes deepen a mother’s shame or sadness. Comments like:
“At least you have a healthy baby.” “You’ll feel better once you get more sleep.” “Other moms have it worse.”
While intended to comfort, these phrases often leave moms feeling dismissed or unseen.
Instead, try words that validate and restore hope:
“How are you feeling today?”
“Our baby is lucky to have you.”
“What do you need right now? How can I help?”
“Let’s make a plan for you to rest — I’ve got this.”
“I love you. How you feel doesn’t change that.”
These simple statements communicate empathy and partnership — two things that make an enormous difference in postpartum recovery.
How Family Therapy Can Help
At CPFH, we take a family systems approach to postpartum recovery. That means helping each family member understand how the system works together — and how to shift it toward healing.
In family or couples therapy, we help:
Partners learn what postpartum mood and anxiety disorders really are
Families develop healthy communication and reduce unhelpful patterns
Parents reconnect emotionally while adjusting to new roles
The entire household learn how to support the recovering parent without burnout
This understanding not only shortens recovery time but also strengthens the family’s resilience for years to come.
Postpartum Family Therapy in Houston & The Woodlands
If you or someone you love is struggling after birth, you don’t have to face it alone. The Center for Postpartum & Family Health (CPFH) specializes in postpartum depression, anxiety, and family adjustment.
Our team provides individual, couples, and family therapy both in person in Houston and The Woodlands and virtually throughout Texas.
📞 Call 713.561.3884 or email info@cpfh.org to connect with a therapist today. We’ll help your family find its balance again — together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I tell if my partner has postpartum depression or anxiety? A: Signs include withdrawal, irritability, excessive worry, sleep disturbance, or a flat mood that lasts longer than two weeks. Encourage your partner to speak with a therapist or OB-GYN.
Q: Can family therapy help if only one person is struggling? A: Yes. Family sessions focus on improving understanding and reducing stress — often leading to faster recovery for everyone.
Q: What if we live outside of Houston or The Woodlands? A: CPFH offers teletherapy for families anywhere in Texas, so you can access help from home.
References
Postpartum Support International (PSI). “Family Support for Perinatal Mental Health.” 2024.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Depression Among Women.” Updated 2023.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). “Optimizing Postpartum Care.” 2023.
About the Author
Lauren Pasqua, PsyD, PMH-C, Licensed Psychologist (TX License #36214) Executive Director, Center for Postpartum & Family Health (CPFH)
Credentials: PsyD in Clinical Psychology, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional (PMH-C), DBT and TBRI-trained clinician. Experience: Over 20 years supporting parents, children, and families through life transitions. Professional Profiles:
Last Medically Reviewed: October 21, 2025 Reviewer: Lauren Pasqua, PsyD, PMH-C