Postpartum anxiety therapy in Los Angeles

Postpartum anxiety is not just stress—it’s an all-consuming mental load that keeps you in survival mode. You may feel like you’re always waiting for something to go wrong, constantly checking on your baby, or unable to silence the intrusive thoughts in your head.

In case you are new here, I’m Karla Hernandez, a maternal mental health therapist specializing in postpartum anxiety therapy in Los Angeles. If you’re feeling constantly on edge, overwhelmed by worry, or stuck in a cycle of "what ifs," you are not alone.

As a therapist for new moms in Los Angeles, I provide a safe space where you can release the constant fear, find relief from anxiety, and feel more present in motherhood.

Postpartum anxiety therapy helps new mothers understand, manage, and reduce overwhelming worry, intrusive thoughts, and emotional distress after birth.

Unlike postpartum depression, which often presents as sadness or numbness, postpartum anxiety manifests as constant fear, racing thoughts, and the feeling that something terrible is about to happen.

Many mothers with postpartum anxiety experience:

• Intrusive thoughts—scary, unwanted images or fears of harm coming to your baby
• Constant worry and worst-case-scenario thinking
• Feeling restless, on edge, or unable to relax, even when your baby is safe
• Trouble sleeping—even when your baby is asleep, your mind won’t shut off
• Panic attacks or a sense of impending doom
• Feeling physically tense, short of breath, or like your heart is always racing
• Postpartum anxiety can make you feel like you’re failing, but the truth is, you are just carrying too much alone. Therapy can help.

If you are struggling with postpartum anxiety, you may notice:

• Excessive worry about your baby’s safety, even when they are okay
• Fear of leaving your baby with others or being away from them
• Obsessively checking on your baby, researching, or seeking reassurance
• Physical symptoms like nausea, headaches, or rapid heartbeat due to stress
• Feeling easily overwhelmed, irritated, or unable to focus
• Racing thoughts that feel impossible to turn off
• These are not just new mom worries—postpartum anxiety can feel debilitating, but with the right support, it is treatable.

Many new moms experience worry, but postpartum anxiety is different—it is excessive, persistent, and interferes with daily life.

Ask yourself:

• Do I feel constantly on edge, even when things are fine?
• Do I struggle to sleep because my mind won’t stop racing?
• Am I avoiding certain situations or people out of fear for my baby?
• Do I feel the need to constantly check on my baby or control every little detail?
• Am I experiencing intrusive thoughts or scary images that I can’t shake?

If you answered yes to any of these, postpartum anxiety therapy can provide relief and help you regain control over your thoughts and emotions.

My approach to postpartum anxiety therapy in Los Angeles is based on practical, evidence-based strategies to calm your nervous system and regain a sense of peace.

In therapy, we will work on:

• Identifying anxious thought patterns and learning to reframe them
• Reducing intrusive thoughts and understanding that they do not define you
• Practicing mindfulness and grounding techniques to regulate stress
• Addressing sleep challenges and exhaustion, which make anxiety worse
• Building confidence in your ability to care for your baby without fear controlling you

I use a combination of:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to break the cycle of anxious thoughts
• Mindfulness-based strategies to help you feel more grounded and present
• Somatic therapy techniques to regulate your nervous system and reduce physical symptoms of anxiety

Postpartum anxiety does not have to define your experience of motherhood—therapy can help you reclaim your calm and confidence.

Every mother’s experience is different, but therapy may include:

• Managing excessive worry, racing thoughts, and anxious spirals
• Understanding and reducing intrusive thoughts
• Coping with panic attacks and physical symptoms of anxiety
• Building confidence in your ability to care for your baby without fear
• Releasing the pressure of perfectionism and unrealistic expectations
• Therapy provides a safe place to unpack your fears, build coping tools, and find relief from anxiety.

• Practice mindfulness—use deep breathing or guided meditation to calm your nervous system
• Limit social media and Google searches—constant comparison fuels anxiety
• Write down intrusive thoughts and challenge them—they are not facts, just fears
• Prioritize sleep and rest—exhaustion worsens anxiety and emotional regulation
• Talk to a professional—therapy can help you find long-term relief from postpartum anxiety

If you are struggling, you don’t have to live in a state of fear—there is help, and you are not alone.

Without treatment, postpartum anxiety can last months or even years. Therapy helps manage symptoms and build long-term coping strategies.

Postpartum anxiety is triggered by the emotional, hormonal, and identity shifts of new motherhood and often includes excessive worry about the baby, intrusive thoughts, and hypervigilance.

Breastfeeding hormones can impact mood in different ways—some mothers feel a sense of calm and connection, while others experience increased anxiety, mood swings, or emotional sensitivity. If you’re feeling heightened anxiety while breastfeeding, it may be helpful to explore other contributing factors like exhaustion, sleep deprivation, or emotional stress. Therapy can help you navigate these changes and find what works best for you.

Postpartum depression often presents as sadness, numbness, or disconnection, while postpartum anxiety includes racing thoughts, panic, excessive worry, and intrusive thoughts. Therapy can help you understand what you are experiencing and provide the right support.

I accept Cigna and Aetna insurance.

I also take out of network/self pay at my private pay rate. I currently partner with Mentaya, a service that streamlines getting reimbursed for your therapy session though out of network benefits. 

See if you qualify:

https://mentaya.co/checkbenefits/karlahernandez 

Payments can be made through credit card and debit card, including FSA and HSA debit cards.