The first few weeks after birth are meant to be a precious time of bonding between you and your baby, but for some new mums, childbirth can trigger a devastating mental health condition.
Every year about 1,000 women in the UK suffer from Postpartum Psychosis (also called Puerperal Psychosis, Postnatal Psychosis or Postpartum onset Bipolar Disorder), reports the BBC.
“When we’re talking about postpartum psychosis, we’re talking about some of the most severe episodes of illness we see in psychiatry,” Dr Ian Jones, a perinatal psychiatrist from Cardiff University, told the BBC.
The condition comes on suddenly, usually within days of delivery and for many mums there’s no warning, as the causes are unknown. However, women who have bipolar disorder or a close relative who has had Postpartum Psychosis are at greater risk.
Midwife Sofia Jacobs describes the symptoms of the more common PND and the factors that can contribute to it.
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