Mental health
Fluctuating feelings of excitement and sadness after birth are common and caused by rapid hormonal changes. You are not alone, and help is available.
of birthing people experience “baby blues” in the first two weeks postpartum.
If these feelings last more than two weeks, you are not able to function because of them, or you have persistent or severe negative feelings, contact your doctor immediately.
Don’t feel ashamed or alone – this is much more common than many people expect, and it can be treated.
Educate yourself on postpartum mood disorders
Anxiety and depression in pregnancy and early parenthood
Fact sheet from Health Translations.
Perinatal Positivity
A short animated film sharing the real voices of parents who experienced mental wellbeing difficulties around pregnancy and birth.
Find support early
Mental health care providers
Schatten & Licht e.V.
Find prenatal and perinatal mental health specialists by postal code, plus online seminars, self-assessments, support services and a crisis hotline.
Frauen Gesundheit Familien Zukunft e.V.
Psychosocial counseling for pregnant people and mothers in distress.
Peer support groups
Afloat
Pregnancy support groups, including for moms* of color and culture, 40+ moms*, neurodivergent moms*, Spanish speakers, and dads.
Postpartum Support International
14 online groups for different communities and needs, including BIPOC, trans and neurodivergent parents, military families, multiples, birth trauma, infant loss and fetal diagnosis.
For dads*
All of the above – plus a Cologne-based online and in-person group for men after a traumatic birth or experiencing postpartum depression.
Your doctor may be able to prescribe postpartum help covered fully or partially by insurance. Ask about Haushaltshilfe, a Mütterpflegerin, or a postpartum doula.
Psychosocial support for migrants and refugees in Berlin
TransVer will work with you to find the right help – such as psychiatric help, support in everyday life, employment and occupational therapy, or places for social contact. On request they can contact these services, arrange an appointment and, in some cases, accompany you.
Staff speak German, Polish, English, French, Romanian, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese, with interpreters for all other languages. This is a free service.
Access TransVer →Hotlines & crisis support
Telephone counseling. Also 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222.
Visit website → Urgent, non-life-threatening 116 11724/7 medical assistance. Also helps you find psychotherapeutic support and arranges appointments.
Visit website → Parents hotline 0800 111 0 550Nummer gegen Kummer: Mon, Wed, Fri 9–17h; Tue, Thu 9–19h.
Visit website →Emergency services, 24/7.
TelefonSeelsorge international hotlines
Primarily European languages.
Find a hotline → 19 languagesDeutsche Depressionshilfe
Resources for managing depression and crisis services in over 150 countries.
Visit website → Fussy babiesSchreiambulanzen
Find a clinic for babies who cry excessively.
Find a clinic →