Postpartum panic attacks are sudden episodes of overwhelming fear that occur after childbirth. They can happen without warning and may feel frightening, especially for women who have never experienced anxiety before. These episodes are not a sign of weakness or failure as a mother. Instead, they are linked to hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, emotional stress, and the major life transition that follows delivery. During postpartum panic attacks, women may experience rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest tightness, or a sense of losing control. Many mothers fear something terrible will happen to them or their baby, even when no danger is present.