Postpartum Rage: Causes, Symptoms, and Care Tips

While many people imagine that the first few weeks with a newborn are full of joy and bliss, the reality is often far more complex. As much as you love your baby, you might unexpectedly feel anger and resentment stir inside you.

If you do feel rage after birth, don’t blame yourself. Seek help immediately, as you would with any other medical condition.

Read on to learn what postpartum rage is, what causes it, and how to treat and manage it.

Postpartum rage, also known as postpartum anger, is characterized by intense anger, irritability, and other overwhelming negative feelings during the postpartum period (i.e., the recovery period right after giving birth that lasts about 6–8 weeks). 1

Although postpartum rage isn’t a formal diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5-TR), doctors recognize it as a real and valid experience that you should take seriously.

Postpartum rage symptoms aren’t exactly the same for everyone. However, you’ll usually have a combination of the following signs: 2

• Short, intense anger outbursts that seem disproportionate to the situation
• Extreme irritability and being easily agitated
• Feelings of being out of control
• A desire to punch objects or slam doors
• Saying or doing things you later regret
• Dwelling on situations much longer than you normally would
• Feelings of guilt and shame after an outburst

Postpartum rage vs. postpartum depression

People sometimes confuse postpartum rage with the more well-known condition of postpartum depression (PPD), as they share some symptoms (e.g., they can both make you feel angry and irritated). However, there are a few differences between them.

If you have PPD, you’ll probably: 3

• Feel persistently moody, guilty, sad, hopeless, shameful, or worthless
• Have changes in your appetite and sleeping habits
• Lose interest in things that used to make you happy and excited
• Tend to withdraw from friends and family
• Have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

While postpartum rage and postpartum depression can coexist, they can also appear by themselves; you may experience postpartum rage without being depressed.

Postpartum rage isn’t random. It can be (but isn’t always) a signal that your needs aren’t met or just that your body is still recovering from the rigors of pregnancy and childbirth—whether you had a vaginal birth or C-section.

Here are some common factors that can lead to postpartum rage:

• Hormonal shifts: After you give birth, your estrogen and progesterone levels will suddenly drop, which often leads to intense mood swings. 4
• Sleep deprivation: As a new mom, it’s very likely you’re not getting enough sleep, as you have to care for your newborn 24/7. Anyone who’s lacking in shut-eye is bound to be more easily irritated and stressed out.
• Increased responsibilities and reduced support: Becoming a mom comes with a lot of responsibility. Trying to juggle everything, especially if you don’t have enough support, can make you feel overwhelmed and resentful.
• Societal expectations: The pressure to be a “perfect” mom and the stigma surrounding feeling unhappy as a new mom may exacerbate your frustration and anger.

Again, try not to feel ashamed about having postpartum rage. It’s a natural reaction to your physical and emotional changes and the dramatic shifts in your life.

Before you can heal, you need to acknowledge your negative feelings and try to understand their root.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that you should get a postpartum mental health screening within 12 weeks of giving birth. 5 Ask your doctor about the screening if they haven’t brought it up with you already.

While postpartum rage isn’t a formal diagnosis, you should still discuss your symptoms with your doctor during this checkup. They can screen you for underlying conditions like postpartum depression, anxiety, or hormonal imbalances and suggest suitable treatment plans.

If your doctor determines you have postpartum rage, either as a standalone condition or part of another diagnosis, they may suggest you try:

• Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a kind of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps you understand and learn where your rage comes from and develop healthier coping mechanisms. 6 Note that you don’t need to do this in person (which is good news for new moms, who may find it hard to carve out time to leave the house)—these days, mental health therapy can be provided via telemedicine or video calls. 7
• Medication: Depending on how severe your condition is, your doctor might prescribe antidepressants, such as SSRIs. These can help you manage postpartum depression or anxiety symptoms that could be causing your anger. Note that while some antidepressants might pass into your breast milk, they typically won’t harm your baby. 8 9 10
• Lifestyle adjustments: With so much going on and a brand new baby to take care of, it’s easy to overlook your well-being. Getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and regularly exercising can make you much happier and less irritated.

Your doctor might also suggest using a combination of treatment methods instead of just one.

Other places to get help

If you’re a little anxious to go to the doctor straight away or find it hard to leave the house, you don’t have to deal with postpartum rage by yourself. You can also find support and resources through organizations such as:

Strategies for managing postpartum rage yourself

Outside of professional treatments, you can look into other self-care techniques, including:

• Identifying your triggers: Pay attention to the situations, people, or thoughts that trigger your anger so you can better anticipate and prepare for them.
• Developing a calming plan: Create a list of activities that help you calm down when you feel anger rising. Whether that means breathing exercises, a warm bath, listening to music, or spending time in nature, find whatever helps you detach from your anger.
• Communicating your needs and feelings: Taking on all the responsibilities and bottling up your emotions will make your rage worse. Ask your partner, family, and friends for help with childcare or household chores. Sometimes, just having someone listen to you is all you need.
• Practicing relaxation techniques: Add relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation to your daily routine. They can help reduce stress and bring a sense of calm.
• Taking breaks: When you feel overwhelmed, try to take a step back. Just taking deep breaths for a few minutes can make a huge difference.
• Connecting with others: Spend more time with supportive people, whether they’re friends, family, or even a postpartum doula. You can also connect with other moms in the same boat by joining a new parent group, an online forum, or a similar group discussion in the built-in community pages in some baby tracker apps.
• Practicing self-compassion: Be kind to yourself. You’re doing the best you can, and it’s okay to make mistakes. Imagine a friend of yours was going through the same problem, and treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you’d show them.

Lastly, as discussed, make sure you’re getting enough sleep, keeping a healthy diet, and engaging in moderate exercise (once you’re physically capable, of course).

How long does postpartum rage usually last?

While many women find that postpartum mood disorders start to ease up within 2 weeks of giving birth, there isn’t a predetermined timeline for how long postpartum rage lasts. 12

Your recovery will depend on the extent of your rage, whether you’re also suffering from postpartum depression, and how well you respond to treatment.

As a new mom, your daily life is probably centered around your baby. If you have postpartum rage, it’s your body’s way of reminding you to take care of yourself—an often overlooked but essential part of motherhood.

Thankfully, there are many resources out there nowadays that can help you manage any postpartum disorders and become healthier. Get the help you need, and you’ll bounce back even stronger before long!