Postnatal depression is one of the most common mental health conditions affecting new parents. While often associated with mothers, it can affect partners and the wider family system as well. Postnatal depression can also impact the baby’s emotional, physical, and cognitive development, making early identification and treatment essential. Today, evidence-based treatments—including TMS for depression, TMS for postnatal depression, psychotherapy, and medication—offer new pathways for recovery and long-term wellbeing.
Babies depend on their parents to help them make sense of the world outside the womb. To do this, new parents need energy, emotional capacity, and focus to understand what their baby’s cues mean—whether hunger, tiredness, discomfort, or loneliness.
Babies are particularly sensitive to their parents’ moods during this stage due to their physical and emotional closeness. When a parent is experiencing postnatal depression, they may be less emotionally available, even unintentionally. The baby may notice this absence of attuned responses and feel confused or unsettled.
Because infants are so dependent, delayed or inconsistent responses can feel frightening for them. A baby may interpret reduced engagement as rejection, which may increase distress. For a parent experiencing intrusive thoughts, anxiety, or overwhelming sadness, responding consistently to their baby’s needs can feel incredibly difficult.
The baby may react by:
Becoming withdrawn from parents and others
Seeking interaction from anyone available, showing little preference for the parent
Having an irregular temperament—for example, appearing settled during the day but becoming unsettled at night
Postnatal depression can also affect broader aspects of development:
Physical health concerns such as reduced weight gain
Interrupted or poor-quality sleep
Delays in cognitive and language development
Dysregulated or unpredictable infant behaviours
Babies need warm, attentive, responsive caregiving to support their development. This support does not need to come solely from parents. Grandparents, friends, and extended family can play an important role, giving the baby what they need while allowing parents rest and support—something especially important when a parent is living with postpartum depression.
Postnatal depression often places strain on intimate relationships. Research shows that if one parent develops postnatal depression, the partner is more likely to experience it too. This can increase stress, emotional overwhelm, and difficulty managing both household responsibilities and newborn care.
Postnatal depression can also affect friendships and relationships with extended family. New parents may withdraw from social contact, often because they feel exhausted, anxious, or ashamed of how they are feeling. Friends and relatives may feel “pushed out,” leaving parents with a smaller support network during a time when connection is essential.
Sharing experiences with trusted people in your social circle can strengthen relationships and open opportunities for practical or emotional support.
Because postnatal depression impacts the wellbeing of both parents and the child, timely detection and treatment is vital.
Persistent sadness or low mood
Loss of interest in usual activities or the outside world
Difficulty sleeping at night despite fatigue
Daytime tiredness and low energy
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Struggling with self-care or caring for the baby
Disturbing or intrusive thoughts (e.g., fears of harming the baby)
Postnatal depression can feel isolating, but help is available. Low-intensity interventions such as community support networks, peer groups, baby groups, and practical help from friends or family can all make a significant difference.
Effective treatment options for postnatal depression include:
Antidepressant medication (when clinically appropriate)
Psychotherapy, such as CBT or interpersonal therapy
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)—a non-invasive, drug-free treatment
TMS is increasingly recognised as an effective treatment for depression, including postnatal depression, especially for people who prefer alternatives to medication or who have not found relief with traditional treatments. TMS is safe, well-tolerated, and does not require downtime, making it an appealing option for new parents.
At Smart TMS, we specialise in providing TMS therapy for a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, OCD, and postnatal depression. With clinics across the UK, our mission is to help individuals and families access safe, effective, non-medication-based treatments that support long-term recovery.
https://childpsychotherapy.org.uk/resources-families/understanding-childhood/postnatal-depression-problem-all-family
https://www.nursinginpractice.com/clinical/womens-health/supporting-families-with-postnatal-depression/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6492376/