About Postpartum OCD
Postpartum OCD is a type of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) that occurs in new mothers after childbirth. It is a condition where a mother experiences intrusive, distressing thoughts, often centered around the safety and well-being of her baby. These thoughts can be very disturbing, and the new mother may fear that she might unintentionally harm her child, even though she has no desire to do so. These thoughts can lead to compulsive behaviors as she tries to reduce the anxiety or prevent the feared harm from occurring. These compulsions can include repeatedly checking the baby to ensure they are safe, breathing, or unharmed, or avoiding situations or objects that might trigger intrusive thoughts.  They can also include mentally repeating certain thoughts or prayers to ward off the fear of harming the baby or to reassure oneself that everything is okay, or constantly seeking reassurance from family, friends, or healthcare providers about whether the baby is safe or whether the mother’s thoughts are normal.  This can also include hypervigilance and constantly being on edge about the baby’s safety, often leading to overprotective behaviors or fears about leaving the baby alone with others.
Unlike postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety, which focus on emotional and mood-related symptoms, postpartum OCD is marked by obsessive thoughts (intrusive worries) and compulsive actions (mental rituals or behaviors) that a mother uses to cope with these fears.
