The short answer
Some worry after having a baby is normal. Worry that is constant, hard to control, or keeps you from sleeping or eating may be postpartum anxiety, and it is treatable. Unwanted, scary thoughts are common with anxiety and do not mean you will act on them. Tell a clinician. If you feel you might act on a thought, call 911 or call or text 988.
Reviewed by the Phia care team
Support, already caught up.
When you need more than an answer, a Phia provider can join your thread and help you connect with a therapist through Phia’s partners.
If you are in crisis now
Call 911 if you or your baby are in danger.
Call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It is free and open 24/7.
Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262), the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. It is open 24/7 in English and Spanish.
Signs it may be more than normal worry
Worry that will not turn off, even when your baby is fine
Racing thoughts or feeling on edge
Trouble sleeping even when you have the chance
A racing heart, dizziness, or nausea
Unwanted, scary thoughts or images that keep coming back
Checking things over and over
What helps
Tell your clinician what you are feeling, including scary thoughts. It helps them help you.
Therapy, medicine, or both can help.
Get help with night feeds when you can, so you can sleep.
The PSI HelpLine, 1-800-944-4773, offers support and local resources. It is not a crisis line.
How Phia helps
Text Phia how you are feeling, in your own words, any time. Phia’s AI care agent answers first and keeps track of what you share. Phia can help you find and book a therapist through partners such as Rula, and follows up with you after. Phia does not provide therapy itself.
Chat with Phia’s providers is included in the $19 a month membership. Some Pennsylvania Medicaid plans cover Phia when Phia has a contract with the plan, and covered members typically pay nothing. Phia works alongside your OB, midwife, or primary care clinician. It does not replace them, and it is not a crisis service.
How it works
Every conversation starts with a text. If it needs a clinician, one joins the same thread, so you never repeat yourself or switch apps.
01
Text Phia
Tell Phia what is on your mind, in your own words.
02
Phia answers
Phia’s AI care agent replies any hour and keeps track of what you share.
03
Phia helps you connect
Phia can help you find a therapist through its partners, then follows up with you.
Good to know.
Still have questions? Text Phia or email care@phiahealth.com.
Sources
HRSA. National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
Postpartum Support International. PSI HelpLine
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
CDC Hear Her. Urgent Maternal Warning Signs
General information, not medical advice. Phia does not replace your OB or your baby’s clinician and is not an emergency service. In an emergency, call 911.
What does $19 a month include?
Chat with Phia’s providers and help connecting to care, through pregnancy and postpartum. Therapy with a partner is separate and may be covered by your insurance. Some Pennsylvania Medicaid plans cover Phia when Phia has a contract with the plan.
Are scary thoughts about my baby normal?
Unwanted, frightening thoughts are common in new parents, especially with anxiety, and having them does not mean you will act on them. Tell your clinician. If you feel you might act on a thought, call 911 or call or text 988.
Do I need an app?
No. Text Phia from your phone.
Does Phia replace my OB or other clinicians?
No. Phia supports you alongside your existing care team.
What if I need help right now?
Phia is not an emergency service. If you or your baby are in danger, call 911. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988, or call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).
Membership
$19/mo
Chat with Phia’s providers is included.
Text Phia how you are feeling. No app, no forms.
Help finding a therapist through Phia’s partners.
Support through pregnancy and postpartum.