Rare condition affects new mothers

Postpartum psychosis affects one to two in one thousand mothers and is considered a psychiatric emergency, developing suddenly in the days or weeks after birth.

Women seek help repeatedly

A Flinders University study found women with postpartum psychosis contacted health services an average of seven times before receiving care, with the lowest being four times and the highest twenty seven.

Research interviewed fifteen women

The peer-reviewed report, published in the Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, interviewed fifteen women diagnosed with postpartum psychosis. More than half had never been diagnosed with a mental health condition before.

Women recognised something was wrong

All fifteen women interviewed recognised something felt wrong soon after childbirth, before more obvious psychotic symptoms developed. They actively sought help but felt their symptoms were minimised and unheard.

“One of the stand-out findings of the research for me was that all the women we interviewed recognised something felt wrong to them.”

Symptoms dismissed as baby blues

Healthcare professionals often were unfamiliar with postpartum psychosis and underestimated symptoms. One woman said her condition was determined to be baby blues, then she lost touch with reality within twenty four hours.

“It was sort of determined that it was probably a bit of baby blues. I had lost touch with reality in that next 24 hours.”

Early detection is critical

The report identified a critical period for detecting postpartum psychosis early. Failure to get help when women first noticed something was wrong left many experiencing worsened outcomes.

Healthcare needs better awareness

Lead author Donna McMahon said healthcare professionals need more awareness and knowledge of postpartum psychosis. Staff should actively listen to women and families, ask follow-up questions, and probe to help women articulate their feelings.

“We need to actively and carefully listen to women and families when they are presenting time and again, saying something isn't right.”

Psychologist highlights fragmented system

Ariane Beeston, who was diagnosed with postpartum psychosis after her son Henry's birth in two thousand eleven, works for the Centre of Perinatal Excellence.

“When we're at our most vulnerable, we're left navigating this really confusing, fragmented system that's often ill-equipped to meet our needs.”

Stigma prevents many from seeking help

Beeston noted that while some women actively seek help, stigma and shame around postpartum psychosis mean many women find it difficult to speak up and downplay their symptoms.

“There's still a lot of stigma and shame around this condition. It's not the case that everyone feels comfortable enough to seek help.”