What Is Postpartum OCD? Understanding This Often-Misunderstood Maternal Mental Health Condition
Becoming a new parent is often portrayed as joyful, magical, and full of cuddles. And sure, there are plenty of snuggly moments. But it can also be overwhelming. Exhausting. Confusing. Emotional. Sometimes, it’s all of those things within the same hour. And for some new moms, the postpartum period brings something else to the table that’s not discussed nearly enough: Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Let’s pull back the curtain on postpartum OCD, a condition that’s not just real but surprisingly common — and entirely treatable.
What Is Postpartum OCD?
Postpartum OCD is a subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder that occurs during the postpartum period — the time after childbirth. It involves a pattern of intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) often related to the baby’s safety or wellbeing, followed by compulsive behaviors or mental rituals meant to reduce the distress caused by those thoughts.
These thoughts can be disturbing, even horrifying. Many parents with postpartum OCD feel ashamed or afraid to talk about them. But here’s the truth: having these thoughts does not mean you want to act on them. And it definitely doesn’t make you a bad parent.
Common Themes of Postpartum OCD
Postpartum OCD thoughts often center around:
Fear of accidentally or intentionally harming the baby
Obsessions about germs, contamination, or illness
Intrusive images or mental movies of something bad happening
Fears of making the “wrong” decision that could hurt the baby
To manage the anxiety these thoughts produce, a parent might:
Avoid holding or being alone with the baby
Excessively wash bottles, hands, or toys
Seek constant reassurance that the baby is okay
Mentally review or “check” to make sure they didn’t harm the baby
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And you’re not broken. Your brain is just a little too good at sounding the alarm.
Isn’t That Just “Normal Mom Worry”?
Let’s clarify: Some amount of worry is completely normal in new parenthood. But postpartum OCD is different in three important ways:
Intensity – The thoughts are distressing and vivid, often causing panic or deep guilt.
Intrusiveness – They pop in unwanted, over and over, no matter how much you try to push them away.
Compulsiveness – You feel driven to do something (or avoid something) to neutralize the fear or “undo” the thought.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill “Is the baby warm enough?” kind of concern. It’s more like, “What if I snap and hurt my baby?” even though you’ve never hurt anyone in your life.
Why Don’t More People Talk About Postpartum OCD?
Because the thoughts can be scary — and they often feel taboo. A lot of parents keep quiet out of fear they’ll be judged, or worse, misunderstood by healthcare professionals. Some even worry that talking about their thoughts will result in losing custody of their child.
But here’s the thing: Mental health professionals trained in OCD and anxiety disorders know the difference between thoughts and intentions. Having scary thoughts doesn’t mean you’ll act on them. In fact, the distress you feel about the thoughts is a pretty good indicator that you won’t.
Who Gets Postpartum OCD?
Postpartum OCD can affect any birthing person — whether it’s their first baby or their fourth. It can start within days of giving birth or months later. It’s estimated that 2 to 3 percent of new moms experience postpartum OCD, though some studies suggest the numbers are higher due to underreporting.
Risk factors may include:
A personal or family history of OCD, anxiety, or depression
Traumatic birth experience
Perfectionistic tendencies
Hormonal changes (hello, postpartum rollercoaster)
Sleep deprivation (also known as “every night with a newborn”)
Importantly, postpartum OCD doesn’t discriminate. It can show up even when everything else seems “fine.”
How Is Postpartum OCD Different from Postpartum Depression?
Great question — because they’re often confused.
Postpartum depression tends to involve sadness, hopelessness, low energy, and withdrawal from baby or loved ones.
Postpartum OCD is primarily marked by anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing fear.
That said, it’s possible (and common) to experience both at the same time. The treatment approach may look a bit different depending on your unique experience.
The Good News: Postpartum OCD Is Treatable
You don’t have to live with this forever. There is help, and it works.
The most effective treatment for postpartum OCD is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP gently helps you confront the scary thoughts without engaging in the rituals that reinforce the fear.
It’s kind of like learning that you can ride out a wave of anxiety without having to jump off the surfboard every time. Over time, your brain learns that the thoughts aren’t dangerous — and that you don’t have to react to them.
In some cases, medication can be helpful too, especially if the symptoms are severe or aren’t improving with therapy alone.
You’re Not Alone
One of the most healing things for new moms with postpartum OCD is realizing just how common it is — and how many others have had similar thoughts. There’s relief in hearing, “You’re not the only one.” And even more relief in hearing, “This is treatable.”
Q&A: Common Questions About Postpartum OCD
Can OCD develop after birth?
Yes, it absolutely can. Even people with no previous mental health diagnoses can develop OCD symptoms after giving birth. It’s believed that hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and the high-stakes responsibility of keeping a tiny human alive all contribute to triggering OCD in the postpartum period.
What is the 5 5 5 rule for postpartum?
The 5-5-5 rule is a general postpartum recovery guideline that suggests:
5 days in the bed
5 days on the bed
5 days near the bed
This approach is about encouraging rest and honoring the body’s need to recover after childbirth. While it doesn’t specifically relate to postpartum OCD, slowing down and prioritizing recovery time can certainly help with managing stress and anxiety.
Is postpartum OCD temporary?
For many people, yes. With the right treatment — like ERP therapy, support, and sometimes medication — symptoms often improve significantly or resolve entirely. The timeline is different for everyone, but postpartum OCD does not have to be a lifelong struggle. The earlier you get help, the better the outcome tends to be.
Why does pregnancy trigger OCD?
Pregnancy and the postpartum period come with huge hormonal changes and life stressors, which can act as triggers for OCD. There’s also a major shift in identity, sleep patterns, and emotional vulnerability. If someone is already wired with a sensitive alarm system (read: anxiety or OCD tendencies), these changes can crank up the volume and make that alarm go haywire.
A Friendly Nudge: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
If you're reading this and thinking, "This sounds a little too familiar," take a deep breath. The thoughts you’re having don’t define you. And you don’t have to white-knuckle it alone.
At Jennifer Chatelle Therapy, we specialize in treating OCD, anxiety, and all the tricky mental loops that can come with new motherhood. We’re big on collaboration, education, and walking through the process with you — not just throwing advice at you from across the room. Whether you prefer to work together virtually or in person, there’s a space here that fits your needs.
If you're ready to:
Learn how your anxious brain works (in a totally non-judgy way)
Get a clear treatment plan that makes sense
Have someone in your corner who understands how OCD works postpartum
…then let’s talk.
You can learn more and book a session with Jennifer by visiting www.jenniferchatelle.com
You’ve got this. And we’ve got your back.