Maternal O.C.D. (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) is the type of O.C.D. that appears during Pregnancy and Postpartum. It involves Intrusive Thoughts about potential risks or harm that can come to baby and that can consume moms with anxiety and fear. It can manifest in constantly monitoring baby’s breathing, excessive cleaning and sanitizing, avoiding leaving the house, or avoiding leaving baby with a loved one, etc…

Moms may start having a hard time sleeping because of fears of baby’s well-being; may start avoiding baby because of fears of hurting baby; may avoid leaving the house; clean and sanitize bottles/countertops excessively, etc.

Maternal OCD is often misunderstood and under-diagnosed and can leave mothers suffering in silence and alone.

Symptoms of Postpartum O.C.D.:

• Intrusive Thoughts:

  • Thoughts, Disturbing Images related to the safety or wellbeing of baby, such as hurting the baby, dropping the baby, suffocation, etc.

  • Obsessive worries about cleanliness or safety (e.g., excessive cleaning of surfaces, bottles, floors, etc.)

  • Unwanted sexual thoughts or violent images involving the baby or family members

• Compulsive Behaviors:

  • Checking behaviors (e.g., repeatedly checking of baby, excessive internet searches and safety precautions)

  • Constantly washing hands or disinfecting items to avoid contamination

  • Repetitive rituals (e.g., arranging items in a specific way to feel "safe")

  • Avoidance behaviors (e.g., avoiding being alone at home with the baby, avoiding certain places)

• Sometimes, moms can experiences only Intrusive Thoughts without the Compulsions.

How Therapy Can Help Overcome O.C.D.

The good news is that OCD symptoms can rapidly improve with therapy and with the right support.

Therapy can help to:

1. Understand Intrusive Thoughts. What they are, where they come from and what they mean. More importantly, what they don’t mean and what to do with them. Just being able to talk about them freely without feeling judged, to come to understand them and to know what to do with them can be healing in itself and feel like a huge relief.

2. Find healthy alternative ways to cope with stress and deal with “worry thoughts” such as Cognitive-Behavioral Exercises, Cognitive Reframes, Controlled Breathing, Thoughts Awareness, etc.

3. Emotional Support: have a safe place where to talk about these major life transition you are going through. A place were to talk about you Intrusive Thoughts and your worries and feel heard, cared and understood in your concerns as a mother. You are not alone and you are not to blame.

4. Build your self-confidence, feel empowered as a mom in this new role. Postpartum is a phase of a steep learning curve. You are having to learn quickly many many things about your little one, while also being sleep deprived. This can undermine your self esteem and self confidence. In therapy, I will help you recognize the good mom that you already are and find your identity as a new mom.

5. Connect with your baby and better enjoy motherhood.

6. Connect with your partner, improve communication and support

7. Prioritize sleep and in self-care. Is not selfish, is necessary to take care of yourself.