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Center for Perinatal and Infant Mental Health

Having a baby is a time of mixed feelings — from elation to exhaustion to abject fear. For some women, the hormonal changes during and after pregnancy result in mental health issues that can affect baby as well. Postpartum depression is the most common and most discussed perinatal mood disorder, but anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder and even psychosis can begin during pregnancy or months after birth.


Phoenix Children’s is committed to giving moms and babies a good start before and after birth. Our Center for Perinatal and Infant Mental Health focuses on preventing, identifying, treating, and managing mental health symptoms and disorders that can affect women and their babies during and after pregnancy. We work with moms and their families to make sure moms get the mental health care and support they need, so they and their babies can thrive.

It’s OK to Need Help

Much is made of the need to put your baby first, and your baby’s welfare does depend on you. But if you’re not OK, your baby won’t be either. Every baby deserves a healthy and happy mom, and every mom deserves to have that beautiful experience.

We’re experienced in safely and effectively treating mental health symptoms and disorders in new and expectant moms so they can be happy and healthy for their own sake as well as their baby’s. Whether you’ve already had mental health issues or are having symptoms for the first time, it’s important to reach out for help. 

Well-meaning friends and family members — and sometimes even healthcare professionals — may tell you it’s normal for new or expectant moms to feel down, scared, exhausted, overwhelmed or “emotional.” While emotional ups and downs may be normal, your intuition may be telling you it’s too much. Be sure to listen — and get the help you need. 

National Leaders

Phoenix Children’s is consistently recognized as a “Best Children’s Hospital” by U.S. News & World Report. We are one of only 24 hospitals nationwide to receive top rankings in every surveyed specialty area.


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