TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses postpartum psychosis, suicidal thoughts, intrusive thoughts and thoughts of harm towards a baby.
Emily never imagined she would develop postpartum psychosis.
She had no history of mental illness. She loved her baby. She desperately wanted to breastfeed. But as severe sleep deprivation and overwhelming breastfeeding pressure took hold after a traumatic birth, her mental health began to unravel in ways she never thought possible.
In this episode, Emily shares the story nobody saw behind closed doors. We talk about postpartum psychosis, sleep deprivation, breastfeeding pressure, suicidal thoughts, intrusive thoughts and the warning signs she wishes every new parent knew.
After repeatedly asking for help, Emily was eventually admitted to a specialist Mother and Baby Psychiatric Unit in Sydney, a decision she believes saved her life.
This is an honest conversation about postpartum psychosis, maternal mental health and why these illnesses don't always look the way people expect. Many women continue caring for their baby while silently becoming more unwell.
If you've ever searched for postpartum psychosis, postpartum mental health, sleep deprivation after having a baby, breastfeeding pressure or wondered how to recognise the warning signs of severe maternal mental illness, this episode is for you.
Support is available
🇦🇺 Australia
PANDA – 1300 726 306
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Emergency – 000
🇺🇸 United States
Postpartum Support International – 1-800-944-4773
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Samaritans – 116 123
Emergency – 999
Australia
PANDA: 1300 726 306
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Emergency: 000
United States
Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
United Kingdom
Contact your GP or local Perinatal Mental Health Team
Samaritans: 116 123
Emergency: 999
