About Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Understanding Postpartum OCD: You Are Not Alone, and Help Is Here

The arrival of a new baby is often pictured as a time of pure joy. However, for many new mothers, it can also bring unexpected and deeply upsetting mental health challenges. You might be struggling with Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (P-OCD) if you have persistent, unwanted thoughts about your baby’s safety, or feel a strong need to perform certain actions repeatedly to ease your anxiety. This condition can leave you feeling terrified, ashamed, and very alone. You might think, "I would never hurt my child, ever—but the thoughts won’t stop." Many mothers feel they are "struggling in silence, afraid to admit I can’t keep up." 

This page is for you. It’s a safe space to understand what Postpartum OCD is, why it happens, and most importantly, how you can find your way back to peace and enjoy your baby. Please know, you are not alone in this, it is not your fault, and kind, effective help is available.

What Exactly Is Postpartum OCD? The Thoughts and Fears You Can't Shake

Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (P-OCD) is a specific type of OCD that occurs during pregnancy or, more commonly, in the weeks and months after childbirth. It involves two main parts: obsessions and compulsions, which often center around the new baby.

Obsessions are thoughts, images, or urges that keep coming back. They are intrusive, unwanted, and cause a lot of anxiety or distress. With P-OCD, these obsessions often focus on the baby’s safety and well-being. Common themes include: 

• Intense fears of accidentally harming the baby. This could be thoughts like, "What if I drop him?" or fears of dropping, suffocating, or poisoning the baby. 
• Disturbing, unwanted images or thoughts of intentionally harming the baby. These thoughts can be violent or sexual and are especially horrifying to the mother. 
• Worries about contamination, germs, or environmental toxins harming the baby. 
• An overwhelming fear of making a wrong decision that could lead to harm or death for the baby. 
• A constant feeling of dread that something terrible will happen. 

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors (like hand washing, ordering, checking) or mental acts (like praying, counting, repeating words silently). An individual feels driven to perform these in response to an obsession or according to strict rules. The goal is to prevent or reduce anxiety or to stop a feared event from happening. However, these actions are often not realistically connected to what they are meant to prevent, or they are clearly excessive. In P-OCD, compulsions might include: 

• Excessively checking on the baby. For example, "I check the monitor 100 times each night" or constantly checking their breathing. 
• Repetitive cleaning, washing, or sterilizing related to the baby. 
• Avoiding certain situations, objects, or even parts of baby care (like bathing or changing diapers) out of fear of triggering obsessions or acting on them. 
• Constantly seeking reassurance from partners, family, or doctors that the baby is okay or that they haven't harmed the baby. 
• Mental rituals, such as replaying events, praying too much, or trying to "cancel out" bad thoughts with good ones. 

Estimates suggest P-OCD affects 2% to 3% of parents during pregnancy and after birth. However, some studies indicate rates as high as 9% to 24% in the postpartum period. This suggests it might be more common than previously thought, possibly because many feel ashamed and are unaware it's a recognized condition. The International OCD Foundation provides more information on its prevalence. Symptoms usually start within the first few weeks after birth but can appear anytime within the first year. 

A critical thing to understand about these intrusive thoughts in P-OCD is that they are ego-dystonic. This means the thoughts, images, or urges go against your actual values, beliefs, and desires. The fact that these thoughts are so horrifying to you ("I would never hurt my child, ever" ) is a key sign of OCD. This is what causes such deep distress and shame. It also separates P-OCD from conditions like postpartum psychosis, where someone might lose touch with reality and not see their thoughts as irrational or upsetting in the same way. Mothers with P-OCD are usually very careful about anything related to child abuse and are terrified by their thoughts, not driven by them. The pain these thoughts cause shows this is an anxiety disorder that needs treatment, not a reflection of your character. 

The compulsions might seem irrational, even to you at times. But they are desperate attempts to protect your baby and manage the overwhelming anxiety caused by the obsessions. Understanding this—that it's a distorted attempt to ensure safety—can help reduce self-blame. 

It's normal for new parents to have some worries or fleeting unwanted thoughts about their baby's safety ("Are they breathing?" "Am I doing this right?"). But P-OCD is much more than typical new parent anxieties. The obsessions are more frequent, intense, and distressing. The compulsions become time-consuming and get in the way of daily life, enjoying your baby, and your overall well-being. 

Understanding Your Experience: P-OCD vs. Other Postpartum Challenges

It can be confusing to tell the difference between P-OCD and other common postpartum mental health experiences. This table offers a simple comparison:

If you see your experiences in the description of P-OCD, or if you're unsure, getting a professional assessment is a vital step. The fear of being misunderstood or seen as a threat to your child can make it hard to seek help. But healthcare professionals specializing in perinatal mental health understand these differences and are there to support you without judgment. 

"Why Is This Happening to Me?" Unpacking Potential Causes and Risk Factors

If you're dealing with Postpartum OCD, you might be asking, "Why me? What did I do to cause this?" The most important answer is: nothing. Postpartum OCD is not your fault. It's not a sign of weakness or a reflection of your love for your baby. It’s a complex medical condition influenced by a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Understanding these can help reduce self-blame and show that this is an illness, not a personal failing. 

Several things can contribute to P-OCD:

• Hormonal Shifts: Pregnancy and childbirth involve big changes in hormones like estrogen and progesterone. After birth, these hormone levels drop suddenly, which might trigger or worsen OCD symptoms for some. 
• Personal or Family History of OCD or Anxiety Disorders: A major risk factor is having a history of OCD or another anxiety disorder. Having a close family member with OCD or anxiety also increases risk. For some, OCD symptoms first appear during pregnancy or postpartum. For others, existing OCD can get worse or shift its focus to the baby. 
• The "Perfect Storm" of Stress and Overwhelm: Caring for a newborn is stressful. Lack of sleep, the huge responsibility, and the general overwhelm of new parenthood can create a "perfect storm" that contributes to anxiety and OCD symptoms. 
• Heightened Sense of Responsibility: New parenthood naturally brings a stronger sense of responsibility for a vulnerable baby. This is normal. But in people prone to OCD, this can become overly amplified, leading to the hyper-responsibility seen in OCD. This can fuel obsessions about dangers and compulsions to prevent them. 
• Traumatic Birth Experience: Complications during pregnancy, a difficult or traumatic birth, or a baby needing NICU care can be major stressors and potential triggers. 
• Other Contributing Factors: Research suggests other factors may increase risk. These include a history of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), not enough social support or feeling isolated, major financial or marital stress, thyroid problems, a personal history of abuse , and tendencies towards perfectionism or what experts call "obsessive beliefs" (like not tolerating uncertainty or overestimating threats). 

Remember, having risk factors doesn't mean you'll definitely develop P-OCD. And many people develop P-OCD without any clear pre-existing risk factors. It's often a complex mix of elements, many outside your control. The focus shouldn't be on blame, but on recognizing the condition and getting effective treatment.

The Hidden Toll: How Postpartum OCD Affects You and Your Family

Living with Postpartum OCD is exhausting and often terrifying. It can cast a long shadow over what many hope will be a joyful time. The constant cycle of intrusive thoughts and the urgent need to perform compulsions can deeply affect a mother's emotional well-being, her relationship with her baby, her connections with loved ones, and her ability to function. The emotional experience is often one of shame, fear of oneself, isolation, and feeling trapped by compulsions. 

Emotional Impact on the Mother: The main experience is often constant, intense anxiety. You might live in a state of constant fear, feeling like something terrible is about to happen. Guilt and shame are overwhelming, especially because the intrusive thoughts are often violent or disturbing and feel so unlike your true self. Many mothers with P-OCD also have significant symptoms of depression, as these conditions often occur together. Feeling overwhelmed, severe sleep problems (beyond typical newborn sleep loss), and losing interest in things you once enjoyed are common. 

Impact on Bonding and Mothering: One of the most painful effects of P-OCD can be how it interferes with bonding with and caring for your baby. The obsessions often involve fears of harming the baby, which can lead to avoidance. You might find yourself avoiding holding your baby, bathing them, changing their diaper, or being alone with them because you're terrified of your thoughts or of accidentally causing harm. This is a direct symptom of OCD. It's a sad irony: the avoidance is meant to protect the baby and reduce your anxiety, but it can rob you of precious moments of connection. This can then fuel more guilt and feelings of not being good enough, making the OCD cycle stronger. Daily care tasks can feel like walking through a minefield. 

Impact on Relationships and Social Life: P-OCD doesn't just affect the mother; it can strain relationships with partners, family, and friends. Your partner may struggle to understand what you're going through, leading to their own confusion, frustration, or helplessness. The constant need for reassurance or the elaborate rituals and avoidance can create tension. The deep shame linked to P-OCD often leads to intense isolation. Many mothers suffer in silence, afraid to tell anyone what they are thinking for fear of judgment, being misunderstood, or even having their baby taken away. This secrecy and isolation can make the distress worse. 

Impact on Daily Life: Obsessions and compulsions can take over your life. Compulsions might take up hours each day, making it very hard to manage other household tasks, care for other children, or do any self-care. The hypervigilance, constantly scanning for threats, or monitoring yourself and the baby is mentally and physically draining. This can significantly impair social and work life, making it hard to leave the house, interact with others, or return to work. 

Recognizing these impacts is not to cause more distress, but to validate how serious your struggle is. If P-OCD is affecting your life in these ways, it shows how important it is to seek professional help—not just to manage thoughts and compulsions, but to reclaim your quality of life and your ability to enjoy motherhood.

Finding Your Way Back to Peace: Effective Treatments for Postpartum OCD

The most important message is that Postpartum OCD is treatable. Even though it feels overwhelming and frightening now, there are effective, proven treatments that can help you greatly reduce these terrifying thoughts and compulsive behaviors. This can allow you to find peace and get your life back. The path to recovery takes courage and commitment, but with the right support, relief is possible. This directly addresses the urgent need for "rapid relief" and "safety strategies" that many suffering individuals voice. 

The Importance of Specialized Therapy: It's vital to get help from a mental health professional with special training and experience in treating OCD, and ideally, specific expertise in perinatal mental health. General counseling might not be enough, as P-OCD needs targeted approaches. Therapists with advanced certifications like PMH-C (Perinatal Mental Health-Certified) have this specialized knowledge. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): The best treatment for OCD, including P-OCD, is a specific type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). This is highlighted by leading organizations like the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and International OCD Foundation.  

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify, understand, and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. For P-OCD, this means looking at the intrusive thoughts and your beliefs about them. 
• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the main part of treating OCD. It works by breaking the cycle of obsessions and compulsions.  
• Exposure: With your therapist's guidance, you'll gradually face the thoughts, images, objects, situations, or feelings that trigger your obsessions and anxiety. This is done in a controlled way, starting with things that cause mild anxiety and slowly moving to more challenging ones. For example, if a mother fears drowning her baby during bath time and avoids it, an exposure exercise might eventually involve her bathing the baby, perhaps with little water at first or with a partner present. 
• Response Prevention: This is key. When the obsession or anxiety is triggered, you choose not to do the compulsive behavior or mental ritual you normally would to reduce distress or prevent a feared outcome. 

The idea of "exposure" can sound scary, especially when you're already overwhelmed by frightening thoughts. But ERP is a team effort. Your therapist will work with you to create a list of feared situations and support you every step of the way. By repeatedly facing fears without doing compulsions, you learn that your anxiety naturally decreases over time (habituation), the feared disasters don't happen, and thoughts are just thoughts—not actions, truths, or signs of your character. ERP helps you learn you are safe despite the thoughts, allowing you to regain control from OCD. 

Medication: Medication can also be very effective for P-OCD. It's often used with ERP to make it work better, or sometimes as the main treatment if specialized ERP isn't available. The most common medications are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Many SSRIs are safe to use while breastfeeding, but this decision must be made carefully with your psychiatrist or doctor. They can discuss the specific risks and benefits with you and your therapist. This aligns with the need for information on "Medication vs. Therapy: Options for Postpartum OCD". 

Other Supportive Approaches:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT can also be helpful. It focuses on accepting distressing thoughts and feelings rather than trying to get rid of them, and committing to actions that align with your personal values. 
• Mindfulness Techniques: Practices that help you stay aware of the present moment without judgment can create distance from intrusive thoughts and reduce overall anxiety. This supports the idea of "Mindful Parenting: Staying Present When Thoughts Intrude". 

Recovery is a journey, not a race. It takes patience, self-kindness, and consistent effort. The goal isn't always to eliminate all intrusive thoughts (everyone has some), but to change your relationship with them so they no longer cause major distress or drive compulsions.

How Phoenix Health Lights the Way: Your Partner in Healing from Postpartum OCD

Finding the right support when you're battling Postpartum OCD is essential. At Phoenix Health, we specialize in guiding mothers through P-OCD with expert knowledge, proven practices, and deep compassion. We understand the courage it takes to reach out, especially with such frightening thoughts. We are here to provide a path towards healing.

Our Specialized Expertise in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C): Phoenix Health therapists are not general counselors. They are highly qualified professionals with master's or doctorate degrees and advanced certifications in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C), or they are working towards this credential. Our owner, Dr. Emily Guarnotta, PsyD, PMH-C, leads this effort. This special training means they deeply understand P-OCD, how it appears in the postpartum period, and the most effective ways to treat it. As some find general therapy unhelpful for specific conditions like perinatal OCD , specialized care is vital. 

Evidence-Based Treatment Tailored to Your Needs: We use treatments proven to work. Our approach to P-OCD is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and, importantly, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—the best treatment for OCD. Your Phoenix Health therapist will work with you to create a personal ERP plan, guiding you gently as you learn to face your fears safely and break free from obsessions and compulsions. 

Compassionate, Non-Judgmental Care – We Truly Hear You: We know the immense shame and fear that often come with P-OCD. A core promise at Phoenix Health is to provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space. You will be met with understanding, empathy, and validation. We want to assure you: "You’re Not a Bad Mom for Having These Thoughts". Our therapists listen without judgment and support you in processing these hard experiences. 

Accessible and Convenient Online Therapy: As a new parent, going to in-person appointments can feel impossible. Phoenix Health offers online therapy, so you can get expert care from the comfort and privacy of your home. This removes the need for travel and childcare, making it easier to prioritize your mental health. We also understand that when you're in distress, you need help quickly. Phoenix Health proudly has no waitlists, so you can connect with a specialist and start healing promptly. This directly addresses the critical need for "rapid relief". 

Affordable Care Options: We believe cost shouldn't stop anyone from getting vital mental health support. Phoenix Health accepts most major health insurance plans (like Cigna, BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, Magellan, Optum, and United Healthcare). Many of our clients find their out-of-pocket cost is less than $20 per session after insurance. 

A Simple Process to Get Started: Starting with Phoenix Health is easy:

1. Fill out a quick, confidential questionnaire on our website.
2. We match you with a therapist who specializes in treating P-OCD and other perinatal mental health concerns.
3. You schedule your sessions via our secure video platform at times that work for you. 

The entire Phoenix Health model—from our specialized PMH-C therapists and proven treatments like ERP, to our kind approach and accessible online platform with no waitlists and insurance acceptance—is designed to meet the urgent needs of mothers struggling with Postpartum OCD. We aim to be the solution you are seeking.

Ready to talk to someone who truly understands and can help you manage these scary thoughts? Connect with a Phoenix Health P-OCD specialist today and take the first brave step towards feeling like yourself again.

Small Steps, Big Impact: Coping Strategies & Self-Care While You Heal

While professional therapy like ERP is key for treating Postpartum OCD, adding coping strategies and self-care into your daily life can offer valuable support. These tools can help you manage difficult moments on your healing journey. Think of them as helpful additions to your main treatment, not replacements.

Interrupting OCD Loops in the Moment: One idea from community research was "Quick Exercises to Interrupt Postpartum OCD Loops". When an obsession gets stronger or you feel a big urge to do a compulsion, try to 'pause and postpone.' Acknowledge the thought or urge without judgment. Tell yourself you can do the compulsion, but wait 10 minutes (or 5, or 15 – whatever feels doable but is a delay). During that wait, try to focus on a completely different, engaging activity. Often, the urge lessens during the delay, giving you a small sense of control. 

Mindful Awareness of Thoughts: Based on "Mindful Parenting: Staying Present When Thoughts Intrude" , practice watching your thoughts without getting caught up in them. Imagine your thoughts as clouds passing by or leaves floating down a stream. Notice them, label them ("That's an OCD thought"), and let them pass without judgment. Remind yourself: "This is an OCD thought. It’s not me, it’s not what I want, and it’s not a prediction." This helps create distance from the upsetting thoughts. 

Grounding Techniques for Acute Anxiety: When anxiety spikes, grounding techniques can bring you back to the present. Try the 5-4-3-2-1 exercise: Name 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you can taste.

Creating a "Safe Enough" Environment: The idea of "Building a Safe Environment to Ease Compulsive Behaviors" is relevant. In OCD treatment, this isn't about removing all triggers, as that can make OCD stronger by reinforcing avoidance. Instead, it's about making your general environment feel supportive and calming. This might mean having a quiet space in your home or ensuring supportive people are available if you need to briefly check in (but not for reassurance that fuels OCD). Talk to your therapist about specific ways to manage your environment to support ERP. 

Embrace Self-Compassion: This is very important. Constantly remind yourself: "You’re Not a Bad Mom for Having These Thoughts". Talk to yourself with the same kindness you'd offer a friend who was struggling. Acknowledge that P-OCD is hard, and you're doing your best. 

Prioritize Basic, Realistic Self-Care: Self-care for a new mother with P-OCD needs to be practical.

• Sleep: Get as much sleep as possible. Accept help to get even short blocks of rest. Lack of sleep makes anxiety and OCD symptoms much worse. 
• Nutrition: Eat regular, simple, balanced meals. Low blood sugar can worsen anxiety.
• Gentle Movement: If you feel up to it, a short walk can help your mood and reduce tension.
• Connection: Stay connected with supportive people. Isolation can make P-OCD worse.

Limit "Doom Googling" and Excessive Reassurance Seeking: While it's tempting to search for answers or reassurance online, this can often become a compulsion and make OCD worse. Try to limit this and bring your questions to your therapist instead. 

These strategies can offer some relief and a sense of control. They help you cope while you heal through specialized therapy.

You're In This Together: A Guide for Partners and Loved Ones

If your partner, daughter, sister, or friend is struggling with Postpartum OCD, you might feel concerned, confused, scared, or helpless. It's hard to see someone you care about go through such upsetting thoughts and behaviors. But your understanding, patience, and support can be a huge help in her recovery. This section, inspired by the need for a "Partner’s Guide: Supporting Someone with Postpartum OCD" , offers some guidance. Organizations like PSI also offer resources for partners. 

1. Educate Yourself About P-OCD: Learn what P-OCD is (and isn't). Understand that her intrusive thoughts are unwanted, very distressing to her, and not what she truly wants or intends. Recognize that her compulsions are driven by intense anxiety and an attempt to prevent feared outcomes, no matter how irrational they seem. 
2. Listen Without Judgment and Validate Her Distress: Create a safe space for her to talk about her fears without judgment or dismissal. Even if her fears seem illogical, her distress is real. Validate her feelings by saying things like, "I can see how much these thoughts are upsetting you." This meets her need for "non-judgmental understanding". 
3. The Tricky Balance: Supporting vs. Enabling Compulsions: This is often the hardest part. It's natural to want to ease her anxiety by giving reassurance (e.g., "Yes, the baby is fine") or helping with rituals. While well-meant, this can make OCD stronger by preventing her from learning to tolerate uncertainty. The best approach is to work with her therapist. They can guide you on how to respond supportively without accommodating the OCD. This might mean gently declining to give reassurance or participate in rituals, while still offering empathy. 
4. Encourage and Facilitate Professional Help: Gently encourage her to seek specialized therapy, like from Phoenix Health. Offer practical support, like helping with childcare during her online therapy sessions. A supportive partner can be key to her engaging in treatment. 
5. Offer Practical Support and Encourage Rest: The demands of new motherhood with P-OCD can be overwhelming. Offer real help with baby care and chores. Help her prioritize rest, as lack of sleep worsens OCD symptoms. 
6. Acknowledge Her Courage and Celebrate Small Victories: Recovery is hard work. Acknowledge her efforts. Celebrate small steps forward. Understand that recovery has ups and downs.
7. Take Care of Yourself Too: Supporting someone with P-OCD can be draining. Make sure you have your own support system. 

By learning about P-OCD and offering informed, kind support, you become an essential ally. Your role isn't to "fix" her OCD, but to create an environment that supports her recovery.

Stories of Hope: You Can Get Better

When you're deep in Postpartum OCD, it can feel like you're the only one with such terrifying thoughts. The idea of feeling "normal" again can seem impossible. Hearing from other mothers who have walked this path and recovered can be very powerful and give "vicarious hope." While every journey is different, these themes, inspired by "Real Mom Stories: Finding Peace After Intrusive Thoughts" , show that healing is achievable. 

Imagine "Sarah," once paralyzed by constant, intrusive fears of accidentally harming her newborn. She avoided being alone with him, her days filled with checking rituals. The shame was immense. Through specialized therapy (ERP), Sarah gradually faced her fears. She learned her thoughts didn't control her actions and her anxiety would lessen without compulsions. Today, Sarah enjoys a close, joyful bond with her son, a reality she once thought impossible.

Consider "Maria," who, after a difficult birth, developed overwhelming obsessions about her baby getting sick. She spent hours cleaning. Her intrusive thoughts made it hard to leave the house. With a PMH-C therapist at Phoenix Health, Maria did ERP. It was tough, but she slowly reduced her cleaning and re-engaged with life. She now feels a calm she hadn't felt since before her baby.

Recall "Nicola's story" from Phoenix Health's research; general therapy didn't help her perinatal OCD, but specialized care did. This shows how important it is to find therapists who understand P-OCD. 

These stories share common threads:

• Initial Despair and Isolation: Many felt alone, terrified by their thoughts, convinced they were "going crazy" or a bad mother.  
• The Courage to Seek Help: Talking to a professional, despite shame and fear, was a turning point.  
• The Hard Work of Therapy: Recovery involved commitment and hard work in therapy (especially ERP).
• Gradual Relief and Empowerment: Over time, with the right treatment, obsessions lessened, and compulsions diminished. They regained control and self-trust.
• Reconnection and Joy: Healing allowed them to reconnect with themselves, their babies, and loved ones, and to enjoy motherhood more.

These mothers once felt the same fear and shame you might feel now. Their journeys show that specialized treatment works. Recovery is not just possible; it's a reality for many.

Take the First Brave Step: Your Path to Healing Starts Here

You’ve taken a big, brave step just by reading this and trying to understand what you’re going through. Please know you don't have to carry the overwhelming weight of Postpartum OCD alone anymore. Effective help is available. You deserve to feel better, find peace, and enjoy this time with your baby without constant fear and compulsion.

At Phoenix Health, our PMH-C certified therapists specialize in treating Postpartum OCD with proven methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). We deliver this care with deep compassion and understanding. We offer a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental online space for you to heal, all from the comfort of your home. 

Ready to quiet the noise of OCD and find your way back to peace?

Here’s how easy it is to get started with Phoenix Health:

• Step 1: Connect With Us Visit our Phoenix Health website to fill out our secure and confidential online form. It usually only takes a few minutes.
   
• Step 2: Get Matched with a Specialist Based on your information, we’ll carefully match you with one of our therapists who has specific expertise in treating Postpartum OCD.
   
• Step 3: Start Your Healing Journey You’ll schedule your first online therapy session at a time that works for you. Remember, Phoenix Health has no waitlists, so you can start getting support quickly.
  

If you have questions, please contact us through our website.

Resources for Support and Further Information

Navigating Postpartum OCD can feel overwhelming, but many resources are available to help you understand the condition, find support, and learn about treatment options.

Further Reading from Phoenix Health: Our resource center offers a wealth of information. Here are some articles particularly relevant to Postpartum OCD and related concerns:

• Learn more about our specialized support. 
• Understand how to stop postpartum intrusive thoughts.
• Explore cognitive behavioral therapy a key component of OCD treatment.
• Get tips on how to find an online therapist for postpartum depression, which can also apply to finding P-OCD support.
• Read about ocd signs if your symptoms started during pregnancy.

Other Reputable Organizations: These organizations provide reliable information, support, and resources for individuals and families affected by Postpartum OCD and other perinatal mental health conditions:

• Postpartum Support International (PSI): A leading organization offering extensive resources, online support groups, and a helpline. Visit their main site at www.postpartum.net.
• International OCD Foundation (IOCDF): Provides in-depth information about OCD, includin g treatment options like ERP, and help finding specialists. Their website is iocdf.org.
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Offers authoritative information on OCD and its treatments. 

You are not alone. You are not to blame. And with the right, specialized support, you will get through this. The team at Phoenix Health is here to help you every step of the way. Take that first brave step today.

Postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a woman gives birth. 

At Phoenix Health, we treat a range of maternal mental health concerns, including OCD. If you’re experiencing symptoms, we can help. Schedule an appointment with a maternal mental health specialist and start feeling better today.