Intrusive Thoughts After Birth: Tips from a Postpartum Therapist on How to Cope

New parenthood is a whirlwind of emotions. The joy of holding your precious newborn can be followed by moments of unexpected anxiety and fear. Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, disturbing ideas that seem to intrude on your happy moments, and they are a common experience for many new moms, particularly during the first couple of months of motherhood.

What are Intrusive Thoughts?

Intrusive thoughts are thoughts regarding something bad happening to your child. For example, you’re feeding your baby, and a vivid image of dropping them flashes through your mind. Or, while putting them down to sleep, you have a sudden, terrifying thought about them not breathing. These are intrusive thoughts. They are not reflections of your desires but rather unwanted ideas that cause anxiety and distress.

Common Intrusive Thoughts During Postpartum

• Thoughts of Harming Your Baby: This is a major concern for many new moms. But it’s crucial to remember these are just thoughts. These are particularly common in Postpartum OCD where moms report intrusive thoughts of them doing harm to their child. These are triggering for new moms. New moms can oftentimes believe these thoughts mean something is wrong with them, but the opposite is true. It means that they really fear harm coming to their baby and their mind grabs hold of this fear and runs through all the worst-case scenarios. Of note, these thoughts are different than what you would see in postpartum psychosis where thoughts may present as more delusional and not just grounded in anxiety or fear.  
• Fears About Your Baby’s Safety: From concerns about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) to choking hazards, intrusive thoughts can focus on potential dangers. Your intrusive thoughts run through every possible thing that can go wrong. These intrusive thoughts cause stress and undo checking on your child. These thoughts can run circles around your head and make it challenging to feel relaxed or present in early motherhood.
• Feeling Overwhelmed and Wanting to Escape: This doesn’t mean you don’t love your baby! The intensity of newborn care can be overwhelming. Intrusive thoughts may reflect a need for a mental break.
• Doubts About Your Parenting Ability: Newborn care requires learning on the fly. It’s normal to feel like a beginner, and asking for help or seeking information is a sign of strength.

Causes of Intrusive Thoughts

There are several factors that can contribute to intrusive thoughts in the postpartum period:

• Hormonal Fluctuations: After childbirth, your body undergoes significant hormonal changes. This hormonal rollercoaster can lead to mood swings and anxiety. Thus, increasing the risk of intrusive thoughts.
• Sleep Deprivation: Newborns are notorious for disrupting sleep schedules. When you’re exhausted, your brain can become more susceptible to intrusive thoughts.
• Stress of New Parenthood: Being a new mom is a demanding role. Learning to care for a tiny human can be stressful, and stress is a common trigger for intrusive thoughts.

Coping with Intrusive Thoughts

Here are some strategies to manage intrusive thoughts after birth:

• Seek Support: Talk to your partner, a trusted friend, a postpartum therapist, or a postpartum support group. Sharing your worries can be incredibly helpful and provide a sense of normalcy.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Taking care of yourself is vital for managing stress and intrusive thoughts. Make time for activities you enjoy, even if it’s just a few minutes each day.
• Challenge the Thought: Don’t automatically accept an intrusive thought as reality. It is so important to work with a therapist from a CBT or ACT lens to help you find ways to cope with intrusive thoughts in a way that doesn’t exacerbate them or lead to decreased self-worth and shame. It is so important to know that intrusive thoughts do not reflect your ability to be a good mom. They reflect your intense love and desire to protect your child. 

When to Seek Professional Help

While intrusive thoughts are normal, seeking professional help is crucial if they become:

• Excessive: Constant intrusive thoughts can significantly impact your daily life and well-being.
• Distressing: If intrusive thoughts cause severe anxiety or emotional distress.
• Interfering with Bonding: If intrusive thoughts hinder your ability to bond and connect with your baby, treatment can help.

Finding a Postpartum Therapist Who Specializes in Intrusive Thoughts

Don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Especially if intrusive thoughts are affecting your ability to enjoy motherhood. There are therapists who specialize in postpartum therapy and can provide effective strategies for managing intrusive thoughts.

Our postpartum therapists at Informed Therapy Group are here to provide support for moms in Georgia and participating PSYPACT states. We understand the challenges new moms face. So we offer specialized treatment for postpartum anxiety, OCD, and intrusive thoughts. They can help you develop coping mechanisms, challenge negative thought patterns, and build resilience to enjoy this special time with your baby. Click here to schedule a free consultation and start feeling like yourself again.

Remember, you’re not alone in experiencing intrusive thoughts after birth. Many new moms face this challenge. With self-care, support, and if necessary, professional help from a postpartum therapist who specializes in intrusive thoughts, you can manage these thoughts and enjoy the precious time with your newborn.

Find Support Navigating Intrusive Thoughts With Postpartum Therapy in Atlanta, GA

If you’re struggling with intrusive thoughts after childbirth, postpartum therapy in Atlanta, GA can provide the support and tools you need to regain control. Our compassionate therapists at Informed Therapy Group are here to help you navigate these challenges and find peace. Take the first step towards healing and a brighter future for you and your baby. Follow these three simple steps to get started:

1. Contact us today to learn more about our services
2. Meet with a caring postpartum therapist
3. Find support in coping with your intrusive thoughts.

Other Services Offered with Informed Therapy

At Informed Therapy Group, we know you may be struggling with more than one mental health concern. So, in addition to providing you with support coping with intrusive thoughts with postpartum therapy, we are also happy to offer therapy for depression, therapy for stress management, and anxiety therapy. We also offer therapy for grief and loss, couples therapy, and pregnancy counseling. To learn more about Informed Therapy read About Us, FAQs, and our blog!