70 | What Are Intrusive Thoughts and What Do They Mean About You as a Mom?

Hey, there, Mama!  Welcome back to the New Mom Naturopath Podcast. This is your host, Dr. Kailyn Galloway, and today, we're unpacking something profoundly personal and incredibly important in Episode 70: "What Are Intrusive Thoughts and What Do They Mean About You as a Mom?"

 

Before we dive in, a gentle heads-up: today's episode touches on intense content that is not intended for little ears. We're going to talk about intrusive thoughts, mainly those violent, that can occur in the postpartum period.

 

Have you ever found yourself in a standard, everyday situation, like grabbing a cup of water in the kitchen, when suddenly, a terrifying thought flashes through your mind? Thoughts of harming your baby in unimaginable ways? If you've experienced this, you're not alone, and you're not a bad mom. These thoughts are called intrusive thoughts, and they can be terrifying.

 

Let me share a story I heard recently. With her three-week-old baby, a mom went to the kitchen to get some water. As she moved across the room, her mind was bombarded with horrifying images—of the blender, the knives, and other ways she could harm her baby. She was distraught, telling me, "I thought about putting my baby in the blender."

 

These moments are heart-stopping. But it's crucial to understand, as we did in our conversation, that "the clinical significance is the level of suffering, rather than the content of the thought itself." Your distress over these thoughts is a sign of your deep care and concern for your baby's well-being. It reassures us that these thoughts are anxiety-driven, not psychotic. Your worry about these thoughts is a very good sign.

 

Why Do These Thoughts Happen in the Postpartum Period?

 

Transitioning from being responsible only for yourself to caring for an entirely dependent little human is monumental. It's okay to miss your old life and feel overwhelmed. Add in the lack of sleep and the immense pressure to be a "perfect" mom, and it's a recipe for anxiety that can lead to these intrusive thoughts.

 

Interestingly, these experiences can differ across cultures, with white women and minorities experiencing and expressing these thoughts in varied ways, influenced by their unique pressures and societal expectations.

 

Treatment Ideas

 

- Get Solid Sleep: It sounds simple, but rest can significantly reduce the intensity of these thoughts.

- Self-Care: Time alone, showering, and eating nutritious food are essential. Support, stability, and basic needs can help, but even with these, feeling overwhelmed is a common trigger for intrusive thoughts.

- Self-Forgiveness:  Be gentle with yourself. You're doing an incredible job in a challenging role.

- Mindfulness: Techniques like the Think/No-Think test can help train your brain to focus intentionally. When disturbing thoughts arise, get curious about them. What's your mind really trying to process?

 

I follow Corrine Crabtree’s 4N’s when I have a thought I want to process and work through:

- Notice: Acknowledge the thought.

- Normalize:  Remind yourself that many new moms have these thoughts, which doesn't make you a wrong person.

- Neutralize: Understand the context—tiredness, stress, baby's crying—it's all playing a role.

- Next Best Thought:  Shift your focus to self-care and understanding why these thoughts are popping up.

 

Remember, Mama, having intrusive thoughts doesn't mean you'll act on them. It's a bizarre, distressing part of the postpartum experience for many, but there's help, and there's hope. You're not alone, and you're not a bad mom. You're human and navigating one of life's most complex transitions.

 

If today's topic resonated with you or sparked questions, reach out. Share your story, your fears, and your victories. We're building a community of support, understanding, and love.

 

Till next time, take care of yourselves and each other. You're doing great, mamas.

 

Love,

Dr. Kailyn Galloway