"You're holding your new baby, and then all of a sudden, out of nowhere, you think, "What if I drop her?" The thought leaves you feeling shaken. They told you how tired you would feel, but no one ever told you about the scary thoughts. These thoughts are much more common than many of us realize. In fact, around 90 percent of new mothers experience them at some point during the postpartum period."
"They are unwanted thoughts or images that pop into your mind without warning. They're often scary and upsetting and don't align with your desires or values. During the postpartum period, they often involve the baby's safety. Intrusive thoughts can include a wide range of topics. The most common thoughts postpartum parents have include dropping the baby or SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). These thoughts might even involve the parent hurting the baby, even though they have no desire or intention to do so."
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, sudden thoughts or images that many parents experience during the postpartum period, often focusing on the baby's safety. Around 90 percent of new mothers experience such thoughts at some point. Common examples include fearing dropping the baby, SIDS, or harming the baby despite having no desire to do so. Hormonal shifts, severe sleep deprivation, and psychological changes after childbirth increase the likelihood of intrusive thoughts. These thoughts can provoke checking behaviors, avoidance, insomnia, and life interference. Effective treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, medication when appropriate, and self-care strategies to reduce distress and restore functioning.
Read at Psychology Today
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