Postpartum OCD

Postpartum obsessive compulsion affects about 4% of mothers and is often a frightening and confusing experience. It is important to know that postpartum OCD does not mean you are at risk of hurting your baby for most mothers. Postpartum OCD is an anxiety disorder based (to some degree) on the fears you may have.

Some signs that you may be experiencing obsessive-compulsive disorder include:

• Intrusive thoughts (thoughts that are persistent and repetitive thoughts or mental images that are very upsetting and not something you’ve experienced before)
• Compulsions: needing to do certain things over and over to reduce fear and anxiety
• Fear of being left alone with the baby
• Hyper-vigilance in protecting the baby
• A sense of horror about the obsessions

If you think you may be experiencing postpartum OCD seek counseling or help from your medical doctor right away. Often postpartum OCD does require some medication management to help decrease the chemical imbalance we believe plays a large role in this disorder.

For more information on our counseling services and scheduling, please contact us to schedule today.