You’re Not a Bad Mom: Understanding and Managing Intrusive Thoughts in the Postpartum Period
If you’re a new mom and suddenly find yourself thinking, “What if I drop the baby?” or “What if something terrible happens and it’s my fault?”—you’re not alone. These thoughts can feel terrifying, shameful, and isolating. But here’s the truth: intrusive thoughts in the postpartum period are incredibly common—and they don’t make you a bad parent.
At Sunrise Counseling, we work with many new parents navigating the complex emotional world of the perinatal experience. If you’re struggling with disturbing thoughts that seem to come out of nowhere, this post is for you.
What Are Intrusive Thoughts?
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, involuntary thoughts, images, or urges that can be disturbing or distressing. In the postpartum period, they often involve:
Harm coming to the baby (accidental or intentional)
Fears of the baby dying suddenly (SIDS, choking, falling)
Worries about being a “bad mom” or “not doing enough”
Unwanted sexual or violent imagery (which is especially scary and rarely talked about)
These thoughts are not a reflection of your desires or character—they’re symptoms of anxiety and mental overload.
Why Do Intrusive Thoughts Happen After Birth?
The postpartum period is a time of massive hormonal, physical, and emotional changes. Several factors contribute to intrusive thoughts, including:
Hormonal fluctuations (especially the rapid drop in estrogen and progesterone)
Sleep deprivation
Increased responsibility and pressure
History of anxiety, OCD, or trauma
Social isolation or lack of support
Many new parents feel blindsided by these thoughts and afraid to tell anyone. Some worry they’ll be judged or even reported. This fear can lead to silence and shame, making the situation worse.
Intrusive Thoughts vs. Postpartum Psychosis: What’s the Difference?
One of the biggest fears clients share at Sunrise Counseling is, “What if I act on these thoughts?”
Here’s an important distinction:
Intrusive thoughts (OCD-related): Unwanted, ego-dystonic (go against your values), and deeply upsetting. You do not want them to happen and take steps to avoid them.
Postpartum psychosis: A rare and severe condition where a person loses touch with reality. They may experience hallucinations or delusions and are at risk of acting on thoughts without insight.
If you’re horrified by your thoughts and actively trying to avoid or neutralize them, you are likely not experiencing psychosis—but rather postpartum OCD or anxiety.
That said, always seek professional evaluation. A perinatal mental health provider can help clarify what’s going on and offer the right treatment.
You Are Not Alone—and You Deserve Support
It’s estimated that up to 90% of new mothers experience intrusive thoughts. But many suffer in silence, unsure if what they’re feeling is “normal.”
You don’t have to keep these thoughts a secret. You can speak them out loud, in a safe and supportive space. You can learn tools to manage your anxiety, reduce fear, and reclaim your peace of mind.
Therapy for Postpartum Anxiety and Intrusive Thoughts in Dallas, TX
At Sunrise Counseling, we specialize in perinatal mental health therapy for new and expecting parents in the Dallas area. Whether you’re dealing with postpartum depression, anxiety, or scary thoughts that won’t go away—we’re here to help.
If you’re in Dallas and need someone to talk to, Sunrise Counseling is here for you.
1. Contact Sunrise Counseling
2. Meet with one of our caring therapists
Mental Health Services at Sunrise Counseling in Dallas, TX
Sunrise Counseling offers a variety of mental health services in our Dallas TX-based therapy office and offers telehealth therapy to those residing in Texas and Colorado. Mental health services we provide at Sunrise Counseling include: