By Hilary Metcalfe
I remember the moment I realised I wasn’t okay.
It wasn’t just the exhaustion—that was expected. It wasn’t even the tears, which came in waves between moments of love and gratitude. It was the fear.
The fear that something would go wrong. The fear that my baby wasn’t safe. The fear that I wasn’t doing enough.
It was the way my heart raced at night, even when my baby was sleeping peacefully beside me. The way my mind looped through worst-case scenarios—checking, double-checking, and still never feeling reassured. The way my body physically ached from tension, shoulders tight, jaw clenched, stomach in knots.
I now know that this was Postpartum Anxiety, a condition that affects up to 1 in 5 new mums. But at the time, I convinced myself I was just being overly cautious, that I needed to “calm down,” that I was simply adjusting to motherhood.
The truth? I needed support. I needed reassurance. I needed someone to see me—not just as a mother, but as a woman going through one of the most intense transitions of her life.
If you know a new mum struggling with Postpartum Anxiety or Postpartum depression rage, the best gift you can give her isn’t another baby blanket or muslin cloth—it’s peace of mind, emotional support, and practical help.
Understanding What a Mum with Postpartum Anxiety Needs
Many people assume new mums need baby gifts, but what they actually need is care, nourishment, and validation.
A mum with Postpartum Anxiety may not say, “I need help.” Instead, she might:
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Struggle to make decisions because she’s second-guessing everything
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Seem constantly on edge, as if something is wrong, even when it isn’t
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Be hyper-focused on baby safety, unable to relax even when the baby is sleeping
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Experience Postpartum depression rage, where frustration builds up over small things
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Withdraw from friends and family, feeling overwhelmed by simple interactions
Knowing this, the best gift for new mums isn’t about the baby—it’s about her well-being.
How to Truly Support a New Mum with Postpartum Anxiety
1. Give Her the Gift of Reassurance & Validation
One of the hardest things about Postpartum Anxiety is feeling like you’re failing—even when you’re doing everything right.
What she needs to hear:
✔ “You’re an amazing mum. Your baby is so lucky to have you.”
✔ “I know this is hard, but you’re doing so well.”
✔ “You don’t have to do this alone. I’m here for you.”
What she doesn’t need:
✖ “Just relax, everything is fine.” (She already knows that logically—her body just won’t let her feel it.)
✖ “You should be enjoying every moment.” (This only makes her feel worse.)
✖ “It’s just hormones, it’ll pass.” (While hormones play a role, her experience is very real.)
2. Nourishment & Recovery Support
When a mum is running on broken sleep, high stress, and depleted nutrients, her nervous system struggles to recalibrate. Supporting her physically can have a huge impact on her mental health.
One of the easiest ways to do this? Gifting her a postpartum recovery tea like Mama Recover.
This hormone-balancing infusion is rich in nervous system-soothing herbs that help calm Postpartum Anxiety and support emotional well-being.
Key ingredients that help with Postpartum Anxiety:
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Oat Straw – High in magnesium and B vitamins, helping to relax the nervous system
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Holy Basil (Tulsi) – An adaptogen that lowers cortisol and promotes emotional resilience
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Stinging Nettles – Packed with iron and calcium, replenishing depleted stores
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Raspberry Leaf – Supports hormonal balance and uterine healing
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Lady’s Mantle – A traditional remedy for oestrogen regulation and mood stability
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Hibiscus Flower – Provides antioxidants and vitamin C, supporting energy levels
Pairing a postpartum recovery tea with nutrient-dense snacks (like homemade energy balls, oat bars, or warm soups) can make a real difference in her daily well-being.
3. Offer Practical Help—Without Waiting for Her to Ask
Many mums with Postpartum Anxiety struggle to ask for help because they feel like they “should” be able to handle everything. Instead of saying, “Let me know if you need anything,” try:
✔ “I’m bringing over dinner—what do you feel like eating?”
✔ “I’ll hold the baby while you shower, take your time.”
✔ “I’m running errands today—what can I pick up for you?”
Taking decision-making off her plate is one of the best ways to ease mental overwhelm.
4. Create a Safe Space for Her to Open Up
Mums struggling with Postpartum Anxiety often feel ashamed of their thoughts. They might worry that talking about their fears will make them sound irrational or ungrateful.
If she opens up to you, just listen. Hold space. Let her talk without trying to fix it.
✔ “That sounds really hard—I’m so glad you told me.”
✔ “You don’t have to go through this alone.”
✔ “Would you like me to help you find support?”
Sometimes, simply being heard is the most powerful gift you can give.
A Thoughtful, Supportive Gift for New Mums
If you’re looking for a meaningful gift for a new mum, consider putting together a Postpartum Care Package filled with things that will truly support her:
🎁 A calming herbal tea like Mama Recover
🎁 A magnesium spray for better sleep and relaxation
🎁 A journal where she can process her thoughts
🎁 A nourishing meal or snack box
🎁 A cosy robe or soft blanket for those long nights
More than anything, your presence, understanding, and support will mean the world to her.
Motherhood is beautiful, but it’s also overwhelming. If a mum in your life is struggling with Postpartum Anxiety or Postpartum depression rage, she doesn’t need to hear that she should “enjoy every moment.” She needs support, nourishment, and reassurance.
You don’t have to fix everything for her. Just let her know she’s not alone.
If you’re looking for a small but powerful way to show your care, consider gifting Mama Recover—because sometimes, the simplest acts of kindness make the biggest difference.
References
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O’Hara, M. W., & McCabe, J. E. (2013). Postpartum depression: Current status and future directions. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology.
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Brummelte, S., & Galea, L. A. (2016). Postpartum depression: Etiology, treatment, and consequences for maternal care. Hormones and Behavior.
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Kendall-Tackett, K. (2007). A new paradigm for depression in new mothers: The central role of inflammation and how breastfeeding and anti-inflammatory treatments protect maternal mental health. International Breastfeeding Journal.
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Groer, M. W. (2005). Differences between exclusive breastfeeders, formula-feeders, and controls in immune function, mood, and maternal-infant bonding. Biological Research for Nursing.
HORMONAL & PROUD
Created as a brand to help women navigate the toughest moments in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum — and practically every stage of life –– The SABI is changing the narrative around our hormones from one of taboo, embarrassment, and loneliness to awareness and even, pride. As more than a wellness brand, The SABI offers a carefully-crafted line of products to carry you through your hormonal journey, including rituals, supportive tools, and ancient herbal remedies that have been tested time and time again by women and now come backed by medicine. The SABI is a blend of science and nature conceived by women who have experienced the joys and deep struggles of bringing a child into the world, the pains of a heavy, difficult period, miscarriage, and difficulty conceiving.
We invite you to get to know your body and its cycles better –– to really understand what is going on inside. Learn to use your hormones to your advantage no matter your stage of life, and know that you can support and balance your hormone levels. We are here to help with the information, understanding and natural tools to support your body and the emotional process along with it.
DISCLAIMER
The SABI blog and articles are not meant to instruct or advise on medical or health conditions, but to inform. The information and opinions presented here do not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals for your unique situation.