A woman with postpartum psychosis may insist that she needs to be at home, caring for her baby, but this condition requires that you follow medical advice. Doing otherwise poses a threat to both mother and baby. Many women with postpartum psychosis need to be hospitalized so that medical staff can monitor them until they stabilize. Entering a hospital – especially a psychiatric hospital, as frequently necessary – can be upsetting, especially for new mothers, who may insist that they need to be at home. But this step is often necessary for effective treatment. If your wife, partner, or loved one must be hospitalized with postpartum psychosis, try to assure her that hospitalization is temporary and that full-time, effective treatment will help her get home to her baby as quickly as possible. Do everything in your power to convince her that she is doing the right thing for herself and for her newborn. Women with postpartum psychosis are typically prescribed some combination of antipsychotic drugs and mood stabilizers. When taken as directed, these drugs are generally quite effective. These drugs may or may not be safe to take when breastfeeding, so talk to your doctor and weigh the risks and benefits of particular medications. Remember that treating the postpartum psychosis should be the primary concern, followed by continuation of breastfeeding. Some women benefit from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This is a modern form of shock therapy that is sometimes effective in treating psychotic episodes. Postpartum psychosis is a medical condition, and it demands medical treatment. In addition, though, talk therapy may be beneficial, especially the disorder begins to recede. A counselor can help you (or your wife, partner, or loved one) deal with the symptoms of postpartum psychosis and the trauma that the condition can inflict. Moving forward, a counselor can also help you deal with any feelings of doubt or guilt about motherhood, which many women experience after postpartum depression, anxiety, or psychosis. Note that if you are not sure you absolutely need counseling or cannot afford, talking it out with your significant other or family member is amazing therapy in its own. Spending an hour or two on its own can make a difference and can relieve you of some symptoms.
Follow your doctor’s instructions. Understand that hospitalization is often required. Take recommended medications. Consider electroconvulsive therapy. Add counseling.