Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum Psychosis is a medical emergency. Please go to nearest Hospital Emergency Room. 
Here 24/7: Call anytime at 1 844 437 3247 (HERE247)
or TTY: 1-877-688-5501

1-2 in every 1000 deliveries but the risk for parents with bi-polar is 25-50%.

“The symptoms of Postpartum Psychosis may appear very similar to those of other psychotic disorders but they are usually unexpected and develop very rapidly, within hours. They most often appear within 72 hours to four weeks after the baby is born. The episode lasts at least a day and may last up to one month with eventual return to the woman’s previous level of functioning. Immediate treatment is required for the safety of the woman and her baby.” – BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre

Symptoms may include:
Mania

Feeling “high”, “up”, elated, over-excited, or “on top of the world”

Increased energy, activity, or productivity

Racing thoughts, being more talkative, a “busy” brain, increased creativity, or pressured speech

Needing less or no sleep or not wanting sleep

Feeling restless, agitated, or unable to keep still

Losing inhibitions, spending a lot of money, or being much more sexually or socially forward

Extreme irritability, impatience, or anger

Very increased interest in your surroundings

Easily distracted, starting many things but not necessarily finishing them

Depression

Feeling low, flat, tearful, emotional, or crying easily

Anxiety, feeling tense, nervousness

Feeling withdrawn and not wanting to talk to or be near others

Tired, heavy, or without energy

Having a harder time taking care of yourself or your baby

Psychosis

Severe confusion or delirium

Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t there – hallucinations

Thoughts or beliefs that aren’t within reality or that people around you think are strange and out-of-character – delusions

Feeling suspicious or afraid of people or events, paranoia

Acting like you aren’t yourself

Feeling detached from reality, unreal, or like you’re in a dream

Additional Resources
Resources During Recovery

PSI Provider Directory

PSI Postpartum Psychosis For Moms Support Group

Support for Families

PSI Support for Families Touched by Postpartum Psychosis

Pregnancy And Infant Loss – Waterloo Region

We are sorry for the circumstances that brought you to this page. You are not alone.

Here are some resources for pregnancy and infant loss in Waterloo Region.

Support Groups

Bereaved Families of Ontario – Midwest

PAIL Network – Sunnybrook Hospital

The Compassionate Friends Waterloo Region

Waterloo Region Pregnancy & Infant Loss Facebook Group

Free Virtual Support Groups – Postpartum Support International

Therapists

Catherine Mellinger ExAT

Firefly Counselling – Rebecca Johnston MSW

Life After Miscarriage & Pregnancy Loss – Shannon Golletz MSc, RP