The short answer
The baby blues, like tears and mood swings, usually fade within two weeks. If low mood, hopelessness, or anxiety lasts longer or makes it hard to care for yourself or your baby, it may be postpartum depression, and it is treatable. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call 911 or call or text 988 now.
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.
Baby blues or depression
The baby blues are common in the first two weeks. You may feel tearful, irritable, or overwhelmed. Postpartum depression lasts longer and feels heavier. Signs can include:
Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most days
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
Trouble sleeping even when your baby sleeps, or sleeping much more
Feeling worthless or guilty
Trouble bonding with your baby
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
What helps
Tell your OB, midwife, or primary care clinician how you feel. Treatment works.
Therapy, medicine, or both can help. Your clinician can talk through options, including while breastfeeding.
Lean on people you trust and let them help.
The PSI HelpLine, 1-800-944-4773, offers support and local resources. It is not a crisis line.
How Phia helps
Want to check in with yourself first? Take Phia’s postpartum depression screening. A screening is not a diagnosis.
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 how you are feeling, 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
National Institute of Mental Health. Perinatal Depression
HRSA. National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
Postpartum Support International. PSI HelpLine
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.
Is it the baby blues or postpartum depression?
The baby blues usually ease within two weeks. If symptoms last longer or feel heavier, talk to your clinician. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, 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.