Welcoming a newborn into the world is often portrayed as one of life’s most joyous experiences. However, for some individuals, the immense changes that come with parenthood can trigger mental health struggles, particularly during the postpartum period. It’s important to recognize that while parenthood is beautiful, it can also be challenging, and for some, this transition can feel especially overwhelming.
If you're experiencing Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), you may feel as though your thoughts and fears are in constant turmoil. Below is a testimonial that helps illustrate what intrusive thoughts after childbirth can feel like:
I was so happy when my first child was born, everything was joyful in my house until I started having horrific thoughts about my baby. I started asking myself questions like What if… you love him the wrong way? What if you’re in love with him? All of a sudden these bizarre thoughts kept popping up and instead of being able to brush them off, these thoughts started to consume me. I began to dwell on them until they took over my mind. I entered a terrifying spiral of shame, horror, and misery, as I couldn't stop wondering if I might harm my son, even though I didn't want to.
After the thought first occurred to me, I started to avoid diaper changes and bath time. I felt dread and shame—if not panic—when I looked at or held my son. I couldn’t understand why I was feeling this way because my love for him should have been pure. I felt lost and desperate, even considering that maybe the only way out was to hurt myself or leave my family. By this point, I had also stopped eating and sleeping.
Eventually, I couldn’t leave the house without imagining my baby dying in terrible ways. While walking in the stroller, I would envision a giant truck barreling down and hitting us. I felt so isolated and damaged that by the time I got help, I had already missed out on precious moments with my son.
If you have ever felt this way, please know that you are not alone. About 3 to 5 percent of new mothers experience perinatal OCD. This type of OCD may occur during or immediately after childbirth, or even within 4 to 6 weeks afterward.
What is Postpartum OCD?
Postpartum OCD is a form of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) involving emotional distress that specifically occurs during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Like other types of OCD, postpartum OCD involves obsessions and compulsions. However, postpartum OCD is different in that it centers around unwanted, intrusive thoughts directly related to your new baby.
These intrusive thoughts can make caring for your child very difficult. While you have no intention of harming your baby, you may fear doing so accidentally. These thoughts can be distressing, but it's important to remember that they do not reflect your true desires or intentions.
What are some common Postpartum OCD symptoms?
Overwhelming fear that your baby may become seriously ill
Recurrent intrusive thoughts about harm coming to your baby
Excessive research on baby safety
Inability to enjoy time with your baby due to persistent obsessive thoughts
How is Postpartum OCD Diagnosed?
If you are wondering how to cope with postpartum OCD, the first step is to let go of the fear of being judged and reach out for professional help. At the Anxiety Center, we will assist you in assessing your thoughts and feelings. You may be asked to use a rating scale to track your symptoms and measure the intensity of your obsessions and compulsions.
What does OCD treatment for new mothers look like?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard treatment for perinatal OCD.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for postpartum OCD
Through CBT, we will help you address your obsessive thoughts. Exposure therapy for postpartum OCD will assist you in gradually confronting the situations and thoughts you've been avoiding. Over time, this will help you reduce the compulsive rituals you have been using to cope with your fears.
Medication
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to treat various anxiety and mood disorders, including perinatal OCD. These medications can be effective in managing symptoms and improving overall well-being.
If you're a mom and suspect you're experiencing OCD after having a baby, it's important to seek mental health support to cope with postpartum OCD. At The Anxiety Center, we provide specialized care for women facing postpartum disorders. Remember, reaching out for professional help can be the first step toward finding peace and fully embracing the joys of motherhood.
Sources:
International OCD Foundation. (2023, August 22). How is perinatal OCD treated? International OCD Foundation. https://iocdf.org/perinatal-ocd/how-is-perinatal-ocd-treated/#:~:text=Cognitive%20behavioral%20therapy%20(CBT)%20with,and%2For%20start%20your%20obsessions
Hudepohl, N., MacLean, J. V., & Osborne, L. M. (2022). Perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder: Epidemiology, phenomenology, etiology, and treatment. Current Psychiatry Reports, 24(4), Article 16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-022-01437-3
Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (n.d.-b). Understanding postpartum OCD and the mother/baby attachment. https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/unexpected-ocd-postpartum#:~:text=Postpartum%20obsessions%20might%20include%20fear,avoiding%20or%20neglecting%20the%20baby
Ferra, I., Bragança, M., & Moreira, R. (2024). Exploring the clinical features of postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder: A systematic review. The European Journal of Psychiatry, 38(1), 100232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpsy.2023.100232
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