Postpartum psychosis is currently part of a global conversation, with the Lindsay Clancy trial bringing a condition many people have never heard of into the spotlight. But what does postpartum psychosis actually look like — and would you know the signs?
In this episode, we’re joined by twin mum and mental health advocate Katrina Weynberg for an incredibly open conversation about experiencing postpartum psychosis after the premature birth of her identical twins, Mumford and Murphy.
Katrina takes us from finding out she was having twins, through an unexpected delivery at 33 weeks and seven weeks of NICU, to becoming increasingly unwell in the days after birth. At 12 days postpartum, she was diagnosed with postpartum psychosis and admitted to an adult psychiatric ward, separated from her newborn babies while receiving treatment.
We also talk about what happened after psychosis — returning home with newborn twins, experiencing postnatal depression, waiting months for a place in a public Mother and Baby Unit and eventually being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
We chat about:
- What postpartum psychosis is and the signs families should know
- The role sleep deprivation played in Katrina’s experience
- How her husband recognised that something wasn’t right
- Being admitted to a psychiatric ward while her twins remained in NICU
- The difference between postpartum psychosis and postnatal depression
- Access to Mother and Baby Units and why keeping mums and babies together matters
- Receiving a bipolar diagnosis after becoming a mum
- What partners, family and friends should look out for postpartum
- Where to seek help if you’re concerned about yourself or someone you love
- Raising twins while navigating postpartum mental health and recovery
At a time when postpartum psychosis is being talked about more than ever, this is an important conversation about understanding what it can actually look like, recognising when something isn’t right and making sure families know that support is available.
Keep up with Katrina:
Follow Katrina on Instagram @katrina.weynberg for more on motherhood, mental health advocacy and her experience of postpartum psychosis.
If you or someone you know needs support:
- PANDA — National perinatal mental health helpline, Monday to Saturday: 1300 726 306
- Red Nose Australia — 24/7 bereavement support: 1300 308 307
- Gidget Foundation Australia — Perinatal mental health counselling support: 1300 851 758
- SMS4Dads — Free text support for fathers
- LGBTQI Health Australia — LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral
- 13 YARN — Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support, available 24/7: 13 92 76
- Lifeline Australia — 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention: 13 11 14
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.
Follow along for the raw, unfiltered reality of raising multiples.
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