Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Postpartum Mood Check-In?
A 22-question self-reflection tool that takes about 5 minutes and looks at patterns of anhedonia, guilt, anxiety, sleep disturbance, overwhelm, low mood, identity disconnection, and self-harm ideation that can follow childbirth. This is a self-reflection tool, not a clinical diagnosis. If you are struggling, talk to a licensed professional.
How accurate is this postpartum mood self-check?
Its question domains are structured after the clinical domains behind the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS, Cox, Holden & Sagovsky 1987), the widely used clinical reference standard for postpartum depression screening. It uses original wording rather than the EPDS itself, and is useful for noticing patterns worth discussing with a professional, but only a clinical evaluation by a licensed provider can produce an actual diagnosis.
How long does the Postpartum Mood Check-In take?
About 5 minutes for 22 questions across eight domains. You get an instant result with a plain-language tier (minimal, mild, moderate, or high).
What should I do if my result is high?
If your result suggests a strong pattern, please reach out to your OB-GYN, midwife, or a mental-health professional soon, therapy, support groups, and medication (many options are compatible with breastfeeding) are all effective. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby: in the US, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-943-5746); in the UK, call Samaritans at 116 123 (free, 24/7) or text SHOUT to 85258. If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room. This tool is not a diagnosis, a licensed professional can give you one.
Is this the same as the baby blues?
Not necessarily. Baby blues are extremely common in the first two weeks after birth and usually resolve on their own. If low mood, guilt, anxiety, or disconnection persist beyond two weeks, or feel heavier than tiredness, it is worth checking in with a professional rather than assuming it will pass.
Does a high score mean I am a bad parent?
No. Postpartum depression is a common, treatable medical condition shaped by hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and the demands of caring for a newborn, it is not a reflection of how much you love your baby or your ability to parent. Most parents who seek treatment see real improvement.
Is this a replacement for therapy or medication?
No. This is a self-reflection tool intended to help you notice patterns worth discussing with a professional. It does not replace clinical evaluation, therapy, or medical treatment.