It’s completely natural to worry about your newborn’s health and safety. But if your anxiety feels overwhelming, it’s a good idea to seek help.
Having obsessive thoughts as a new parent is pretty normal. In fact, more than 60% of new parents experience this in some form [1].
For example, you might worry that:
You held the baby wrong.
The bottle wasn’t sterilized thoroughly enough, putting the baby at risk of infection.
You kept the window open too long, and now your baby might catch a cold.
In a fit of anger, you might lose control and hurt the child.
All these thoughts are completely normal in the first weeks after giving birth, especially if this is your first child and you don’t have any help from relatives [2].
So constant anxiety for the baby is normal?
In most cases, yes. It’s natural for mothers to be constantly alert to protect their baby. There are techniques to help manage anxiety and obsessive thoughts.
However, about 2.5% of new mothers may develop perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) [3]. This condition can lead to poor sleep and constant fatigue, making it harder for the mother to care for her baby [4].
How do I know if I have OCD?
People with OCD perform repetitive, unnecessary actions to calm their anxiety, but it only helps temporarily.
Signs of perinatal OCD include:
Repeatedly checking your baby throughout the night to ensure they are breathing.
Washing or sterilizing objects the child touches so often that it takes up most of your time.
Avoiding picking up or changing the baby’s diapers for fear of harming them.
Hiding knives or other dangerous objects, fearing they will harm the baby.
Refusing to be alone with the baby.
If you experience these symptoms, consult a psychiatrist. These are signs of perinatal OCD [4].
What if I'm afraid to go to a psychiatrist?
Don’t be afraid. Psychiatrists are doctors like any other. They’ll listen to your symptoms and create a treatment plan. A good psychiatrist will ease your worries.
Treatment for OCD often includes medications and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Psychotherapy helps you understand that thoughts can’t change reality. You’ll learn to acknowledge bad thoughts without letting them control your life [5].
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