A woman is struggling with OCD postpartum and is receiving treatment from a therapist.While many people are familiar with postpartum depression, fewer people have ever heard of postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This condition can have a profound impact on new mothers by exacerbating fears and stealing the joy that should come with a special new season of life.  

At True Life Center, we specialize in providing supportive, evidence-based care to address conditions like postpartum OCD through our neurobiological integration approach. If you or someone you love is struggling with OCD after childbirth, let us help you. Find out more about our mental health treatment in San Diego, CA, by calling [Direct]. 

What Is Postpartum OCD? 

Postpartum OCD is a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder that emerges after childbirth. It has the same hallmarks of traditional OCD, including: 

  • intrusive, distressing thoughts  
  • compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety  

However, in contrast to traditional OCD, it manifests specifically postpartum and centers on fears and worries for the baby’s safety. For example, mothers may obsess over whether they’ve properly secured their child’s car seat or experience overwhelming fear of accidentally harming their baby.  

Common Worries Associated with Postpartum OCD 

Mothers who experience postpartum OCD often share a range of specific intrusive thoughts or worries. While everyone is unique of course, there are some specific commonalities. Here are some examples:  

Fear of Accidental Harm to the Baby

Worrying about unintentionally dropping the baby while carrying it or fears around a baby being hurt during a normal routine like drowning while bathing or choking while eating. 

Fear of Contamination

Some mothers fear that their baby has been exposed to harmful germs, so they engage in excessive cleaning of bottles, toys, clothes, or any other objects the baby regularly comes into contact with. 

Intrusive Thoughts About Intentional Harm

It’s not uncommon for mothers to worry about harming their babies while they sleep or worrying about sharp objects being near the baby, even if they have no intention of using them to harm the baby.  

 Hyper-Focus on Health and Wellness

A focus on wellness can be healthy unless it becomes an obsession. For moms struggling with postpartum OCD, this focus can lead to overwhelming anxiety about their child developing an illness or disorder. If this is the case, they may begin constantly checking for signs of breathing issues, rashes, or other health concerns. 

Fear of Neglect or Mistakes

Some new mothers worry that they’ll forget to feed their little ones or neglect to change their diapers or meet other essential needs. They experience anxiety over being a “bad” parent. 

Fear of External Threats

Worrying about accidents happening while the baby is in a car seat or stroller is also prevalent. It often goes hand in hand with the fear of someone else accidentally or intentionally harming their baby.  

For a woman experiencing postpartum OCD, these thoughts typically arise in the weeks or months following childbirth and are understandably distressing. There can be shame associated with these thoughts, and this makes women reluctant to talk about how they’re struggling. This of course, leads to feelings of isolation.  

It’s important to understand that you’re not alone, and recognizing the symptoms early, can help you get the help and support that you need. 

Diagnosis of Postpartum OCD 

Identifying OCD after childbirth can be challenging, as its symptoms often overlap with other postpartum conditions. However, diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional. At True Life Center, we use a holistic and personalized approach to understand your unique situation and make sure you get the best possible care. 

The Impact of OCD After Childbirth 

Postpartum OCD can interfere with a mother and child’s ability to bond and the joys of being a new parent. Because of the isolation, overwhelm, and shame, women can avoid seeking treatment. Without it, the condition can intensify, affecting both the mother’s mental health and her ability to care for her child. 

At True Life we want to see you and your baby thrive. We offer high-quality postpartum OCD treatment in San Diego, CA. 

Managing Postpartum OCD at Home 

While professional treatment is essential for postpartum OCD, there are strategies to help you manage your symptoms at home. They include: 

  • Mindfulness exercises – Practice staying present through deep breathing and guided meditations. This can help you focus on the here and now, instead of worrying about what could happen 
  • Self-care – Prioritize rest, nutrition, and gentle physical activity to support mental health. Movement is a good idea when it comes to a variety of mental health concerns 
  • Open communication – Share your thoughts and feelings with trusted family members, friends, or a therapist. Having someone you can be completely honest with, without fear of judgment, is imperative to minimizing feelings of isolation. 

These practices should be a complement to professional treatment. 

Effective Postpartum OCD Treatments 

The good news is that postpartum OCD is treatable. Evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) are highly effective in reducing symptoms. These therapies help individuals reframe intrusive thoughts and reduce compulsive behaviors. 

At True Life Center, we provide tailored outpatient treatment programs designed to address postpartum OCD. Our services include: 

  • Individualized treatment plans – Customizable care based on each patient’s specific needs 
  • Therapeutic modalities – Access to CBT, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness practices, and more 
  • Holistic support – Complementary therapies, such as yoga, acupuncture, and nutritional counseling, to strengthen the mind-body connection 

Talk to a Team Member at True Life Today for the Support You Need 

True Life Center offers a unique and integrative approach to postpartum OCD treatment. Our outpatient programs are designed to provide a high level of individualized care in a calming, compassionate environment. Patients benefit from the expertise of our team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and holistic providers, who collaborate to create a program tailored to their needs. 

Located in beautiful San Diego, CA, True Life Center offers medical expertise in a nurturing setting. Call 866.420.1792 today to schedule a consultation or use our online contact form. You’re not alone.