When Information Overload Fuels Anxiety
In today’s digital world, access to information is at our fingertips 24/7. Especially for new (or new again) moms navigating postpartum life, the abundance of Google searches, Instagram posts, Reddit threads, and expert blogs can feel both like a lifeline and a weight.
A recurring theme I see in my work with postpartum clients and mothers of young children is this double-edged sword: on one hand, information offers reassurance, solidarity, and a sense of security. On the other, it can quickly spiral into overwhelm, increase anxiety, and offers a false sense of control. So, when does information become too much for our systems to handle?
Often, an anxious part within us is simply seeking comfort, wanting to know we’re not alone, that we’re doing it “right,” or looking for some sense of certainty in a season that feels anything but certain. Though what begins as a small search for clarity can turn into a relentless cycle: needing information to soothe anxiety… which only leads to needing more information… and more soothing… and on it goes.
If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. Here are a few gentle reminders and tips for navigating this dynamic:
1. Identify the True Need
Before reaching for your phone, ask yourself: What am I really looking for? Is this truly a question about feeding, sleep, or development? Or at the core, does this touch on something deeper… How am I doing as a mom?
So many mothers unknowingly look for measurable ways to evaluate their motherhood, such as milk supply, sticking to a schedule, or even their baby’s mood, as a reflection of their worth or success. But the truth is, none of those things are fully in our control.
What makes you a “good mom” can’t be found in an app, a milestone chart, or a Google result. It lives in your attunement, your love, your presence, and your intention. While the perfectionist parts of us may long for something tangible to grasp, there’s freedom in releasing that scorecard.
2. Be Mindful of Social Media
This one’s simple in theory and hard in practice. Scrolling often becomes the go-to in the quiet moments: while feeding, when baby is napping, or in the in-between. But curated feeds, romanticized snapshots of motherhood, and subtle (or not so subtle) comparisons only heighten anxiety and self-doubt.
There’s no rubric for motherhood yet many of us feel like we’re constantly being graded. It’s okay to put the scorecard down. See what happens when you give yourself permission to step away from the scroll. You might be surprised by how much more grounded and connected you feel.
3. Jot Down Your Questions, Then Wait
Instead of seeking immediate answers online, write down your questions for your pediatrician, lactation consultant, or therapist. Then practice tolerating the discomfort of not knowing, for now.
Is it uncomfortable? Yes. A huge part of anxiety management is learning to ride the wave. Anxiety comes, and anxiety goes. While you're waiting for it to pass, lean into your coping tools: take a walk, call a friend, use grounding breathwork (like box breathing or 4-7-8 breathing), or play a favorite song. Trust that you are building resilience in the process.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting answers. But in the postpartum season, when your heart is tender and your identity is shifting, too much input can crowd out your own intuition. Your baby doesn’t need you to be perfect. They need you: present, connected, and trusting in yourself more than the algorithm.
