What Are Intrusive Thoughts After Having a Baby?
Many new mothers are surprised by the thoughts that suddenly appear in their minds after having a baby.
You might be holding your baby and suddenly imagine dropping them.
You might picture something terrible happening.
You may find yourself thinking:
“Why would my brain even think that?”
These thoughts can feel deeply upsetting.
Some mothers worry that having these thoughts means something about who they are.
But intrusive thoughts after having a baby are actually very common.
In fact, research shows that many new mothers experience unwanted intrusive thoughts during the postpartum period (up to 100% by some studies).
Your brain has entered a powerful protective mode.
It is constantly scanning for possible danger in order to keep your baby safe.
Sometimes that alarm system becomes overly sensitive.
Instead of calmly assessing risk, it starts presenting worst-case scenarios in an attempt to prevent harm.
These thoughts are not intentions.
They are simply your brain's safety system working overtime.
The distress you feel about these thoughts is actually a sign that they do not align with your values.
If intrusive thoughts become overwhelming, therapy can help calm the nervous system and reduce the intensity of these mental alarms.
Approaches like EMDR therapy help the brain process anxiety and trauma so that the alarm system can reset.
If you’re curious about how EMDR works, you can learn more here:
👉 https://www.ambersperling.ca/blog/what-is-emdr-tapping�
You can also learn more about postpartum intrusive thoughts from Postpartum Support International here:
👉 https://www.postpartum.net/learn-more/perinatal-mental-health/�
Motherhood is a powerful chapter in the story of your life.
And even the most loving mothers sometimes need support navigating the intensity of that chapter.
If you are looking for postpartum mental health support in Ontario, you can explore therapy options here:
👉 https://www.ambersperling.ca/therapy-for-moms-support�
