Mom Breaks: Science and Stories of Postpartum Psychosis

Meg
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Mental Health

What happens when motherhood collides with a mental health crisis that even doctors struggle to recognize? Postpartum psychosis is a mental health condition that is said to affect about 1–2 in every 1,000 births. This is less common than other mental health conditions - though with 130–140 million births worldwide each year, we’re talking about 130,000–364,000 new cases annually. Across years, as many as 4 million survivors of postpartum psychosis may be living today - yet too often, our stories go unheard. We're creating space to hear those stories. In this podcast, we explore postpartum psychosis in all its complexity - our researched understanding as well as human experiences. We'll weave perspectives into an honest, compassionate conversation - making space for both the heaviness and the hope. We bring together: Survivors who’ve lived through the stormResearchers uncovering what we know (and what we still don’t)Clinicians on the frontlines of carePartners and loved ones who witnessed the unthinkable Here, we normalize Mom Breaks - both the psychotic kind no one asks for, and the everyday kind everyone needs. A delusion I had during my psychosis was that I could reach an altered state where I wouldn’t have to care for myself at all, and could endlessly serve others. The truth - the cure, in many ways - is the opposite. We all need breaks. The small, regular pauses we build into our days and family routines are just as relevant as the bigger, harder interruptions that force us to stop. Mom Breaks remind us that caring for ourselves is not selfish—it’s what allows us to thrive and care for the people we love. We’re here to shine light, offer understanding, and remind each other that nobody has to walk this path alone. If you’ve lived it, love someone who has, or simply believe these stories need to be heard - welcome.

  1. Motherhood, Mental Health, and the Courtroom: Dr. Diana Barnes on Expert Witness Work and Postpartum Psychosis

    6d ago

    Motherhood, Mental Health, and the Courtroom: Dr. Diana Barnes on Expert Witness Work and Postpartum Psychosis

    Dr. Diana Barnes is a psychotherapist, educator, and forensic expert who has spent more than 30 years advancing the field of maternal mental health. After her own experience with postpartum anxiety, she dedicated her career to supporting women and families through the reproductive years as they navigate a wide range of perinatal mental health conditions, including postpartum psychosis. In this episode, Dr. Barnes reflects on the evolution of maternal mental health care and discusses her work as an expert witness in legal cases involving postpartum mental illness. She shares why specialized expertise is essential as these cases navigate the legal system and reflects on a motto of "making lemonade out of lemons"—finding purpose through life's most difficult experiences. Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of several cases involving infanticide in the context of severe perinatal mental illness. Resources Center for Postpartum Health - Dr. Barnes PracticeBaby Doe FilmPSI Postpartum Psychosis TaskforcePSI Legal ToolkitPSI Legal AdvocacyCitations: The Mcnaughton Rules. Forensic Psychiatry Experts. (n.d.).PTSD and DSM-5 - PTSD: National Center for PTSD. US Department of Veterans Affairs. (2025).Wessel, J., Endrikat, J., & Buscher, U. (2002, November 1). Frequency of denial of pregnancy: Results and epidemiological significance of a 1‐year prospective study in Berlin - wessel - 2002 - Acta obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica - Wiley Online Library. Wiley.

    57 min
  2. Laura's Lived Experience: Truman Show Delusions, Channeling Nostradamus, and Growing as a Therapist after Postpartum Psychosis

    Jun 29

    Laura's Lived Experience: Truman Show Delusions, Channeling Nostradamus, and Growing as a Therapist after Postpartum Psychosis

    In this episode, Laura reflects on her experience as both a survivor of postpartum psychosis and perinatal mental health provider. Following a painful birth, breastfeeding challenges, and a cycle of sleeplessness, her reality began to blur. She became convinced she was uncovering hidden abusers, predicting the future, and protecting her hospital from an active shooter—delusions that felt entirely real in the moment. Laura shares what postpartum psychosis felt like from the inside, how she and her family navigated hospitalization and recovery, and how this experience has shaped her work in private practice. We discuss how postpartum psychosis does not discriminate, the role of therapy, and the importance of not minimizing our experiences and instead using them to highlight the serious nature of postpartum psychosis. Resources Laura's Private Practice – Movemeant for ChangePSI Conference Talk – How Do We Keep Missing This: Postpartum Psychosis Myths Hindering DetectionPSI Helpline: 1-800-944-4773PSI Provider DirectoryCitations Bergink, V., & Burgerhout, K. (2015, February). Treatment of psychosis and mania in the postpartum period. Treatment in Psychiatry.Toor, R., & Wiese, M. (2024). Postpartum psychosis: A preventable psychiatric emergency. Psychiatry Online.

    1h 27m
  3. Bridget’s Breakthrough: Anxiety to Paranoia, the Infamous Car Wash, and Recovery after Undiagnosed Postpartum Psychosis

    Jun 10

    Bridget’s Breakthrough: Anxiety to Paranoia, the Infamous Car Wash, and Recovery after Undiagnosed Postpartum Psychosis

    Bridget is a health coach, mother of two, and maternal mental health advocate. In this conversation, she shares her experience with undiagnosed postpartum psychosis following the birth of her second child in 2013, which unfolded during the early postpartum period while she was on maternity leave. Although she sought support and received treatment for postpartum anxiety and depression, the more severe symptoms—including paranoia, delusional thinking, and a disconnect from reality—were not recognized at the time as postpartum psychosis. Her experience eventually resolved without hospitalization, but left her with many questions. It wasn’t until years later that Bridget learned there was a name for what she had experienced. Together, we discuss how difficult it can be to recognize postpartum psychosis with waxing and waning symptoms, the fear and uncertainty that can surround seeking higher levels of care, and the importance of talking openly about mental health and suicide prevention. Resources: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US) — Call or text 988International suicide hotline directoryU.S. Maternal Mental Health Hotline — Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMACitations: Gould, M., & Marrocco, F. (2005, April 6). Evaluating iatrogenic risk of youth suicide screening programs: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024). 5 action steps to help someone having thoughts of suicide. National Institute of Mental Health.

    55 min
  4. My Reflections: A Pause for Patterns from Partner & Family Conversations

    Jun 2

    My Reflections: A Pause for Patterns from Partner & Family Conversations

    After six conversations with spouses and family members affected by postpartum psychosis, I wanted to pause and reflect on the patterns that emerged across these stories—from sleeplessness and behavioral changes to the uncertainty families face in recognizing when something is wrong and figuring out how to get help. In this solo episode, I reflect on what happens after the crisis: the challenges of navigating care, the transition home from hospitalization, and the role family members play in recovery. Along the way, I discuss research on family dynamics in psychosis, evidence supporting counseling after traumatic births, and a few ideas for how we can build better systems of support for postpartum families moving forward. If you find value in these conversations, please follow the show wherever you're listening. I'd also love to have you join me on Substack, to hear episode updates, resources, and reflections between releases. Citations Dekel, S., Papadakis, J. E., Quagliarini, B., Pham, C. T., Pacheco-Barrios, K., Hughes, F., Jagodnik, K. M., & Nandru, R. (2023, December 18). Preventing posttraumatic stress disorder following childbirth: A systematic review and meta-analysis. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology. Verma, M., Bagul, K. R., Gangwal, R., Rastogi, P., Mudgal, V., & Singh, A. (2025, April 23). Expressed emotions in families of patients with bipolar disorder. Cureus. Williamson, E., & Pipeva, A. (2021, November). The Birth Trauma Psychological Therapy Service: An audit of outcomes - sciencedirect. ScienceDirect. Resources: National Maternal Mental Health Hotline - Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call or text 988National Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741Postpartum Support International HelpLine (non emergencies) - Call or text 1-800-944-4773

    26 min
  5. An Intense Birth, NICU Sleeplessness, and a Diagnosis Without Treatment: Clint on the Need for Postpartum Psychosis Protocols

    May 8

    An Intense Birth, NICU Sleeplessness, and a Diagnosis Without Treatment: Clint on the Need for Postpartum Psychosis Protocols

    Clint shares his family’s experience with postpartum psychosis after the birth of their first child. Following a long and difficult labor that ended in a hospital transfer and NICU stay for their newborn, Clint found himself trying to make sense of rapidly escalating symptoms in his wife, Courtney — a chiropractor with a solid understanding of the human body and no psychiatric history. In this conversation, Clint reflects on the confusion of navigating a psychiatric emergency with little guidance, what it was like bringing home a wife still actively psychotic after hospital discharge, and the lasting impact the experience had on their family. He also shares how faith, advocacy, and the birth of their second child became part of a deeply healing chapter in their lives. You can follow Courtney’s advocacy and educational work around postpartum mental health on Instagram at @drcourtneywinter. Trigger warning: this episode includes discussion of suicide attempt and a family story involving schizophrenia and homicide shared in the context of recognizing delusional behavior. Resources: Courtney’s PP Resource GuidePostpartum Psychosis: a guide for partners PSI Support Group - Family MembersCitations: Bruce, M. J., & Weaver, T. L. (2021, December 27). Testing cognitive models to characterize trauma anniversary reactions marked by stress and growth. PubMed. Chaney, L. (2024, October 1). Treatment of postpartum psychosis in breastfeeding females. The mental health clinician. Xia, M., Wang, J., & Liang, Y. (2022, July 1). Association between breastfeeding and postpartum depression: A meta-analysis. Journal of affective disorders.

    1h 9m
  6. Grief, Loss, and an Invisible Postpartum Mental Illness: Polly and Frank on Advocacy After Tragedy

    May 1

    Grief, Loss, and an Invisible Postpartum Mental Illness: Polly and Frank on Advocacy After Tragedy

    In this episode, we speak with Polly and Frank, advocates who have turned profound loss into a commitment to raising awareness about postpartum mental illness. In 2018, their daughter Mary Jo, along with her husband and newborn daughter, died in a tragedy they have since come to understand as the result of postpartum psychosis. Since then, Polly and Frank have spoken openly about the complexity and invisibility of severe postpartum illness, including how symptoms can be missed even in supportive, attentive families. Through their work with Postpartum Support International and their church community in St. Louis, they continue to advocate for earlier recognition, access to care, and treatment. Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide, homicide, infanticide, and gun violence. If you are in a sensitive postpartum period or feeling emotionally vulnerable, you may want to listen at another time. This conversation includes discussion of an uncommon and devastating outcome associated with postpartum psychosis. Research indicates that infanticide occurs in a very small minority of untreated cases. Most people who experience postpartum psychosis are not violent, and the condition is highly treatable, particularly with timely care and support. Resources: Postpartum Support International - Get HelpCitations: Alford, A. Y., Riggins, A. D., Chopak-Foss, J., Cowan, L. T., Nwaonumah, E. C., Oloyede, T. F., Sejoro, S. T., & Kutten, W. S. (2024, September 2). A systematic review of postpartum psychosis resulting in infanticide: Missed opportunities in screening, diagnosis, and treatment - archives of Women’s Mental Health. SpringerLink.Evans, C., Kreppner, J., & Lawrence, P. J. (2022, June 28). The association between Maternal Perinatal Mental Health and perfectionism: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The British journal of clinical psychology.Pfeifer, S. (1994, September). Belief in demons and exorcism in psychiatric patients in Switzerland. PubMed.Wittkowski, A. (2017, February 3). The relationship between postpartum depression and beliefs about motherhood and perfectionism during pregnancy - OpenAccessPub.

    52 min
  7. Sleeplessness, ER Visits, and Playing the Part: Derek on Caregiver Burnout through Postpartum Psychosis

    Apr 1

    Sleeplessness, ER Visits, and Playing the Part: Derek on Caregiver Burnout through Postpartum Psychosis

    You heard Rowena’s story – now hear what it was like on the other side. In this episode, Derek shares his experience supporting his wife through postpartum psychosis, from the sudden onset of symptoms through a few hospital visits to get proper care. It’s a powerful, honest conversation about recognizing change, navigating the unknown, and showing up for the people we love. We touch on the realities of recovery, antibiotics and mental health, the role of anger in depression, and the importance of support for the whole family. Resources: Postpartum Psychosis: a guide for partnersPSI Support Group - Family MembersCitations: Aas, M., & Vecchio, C. (2020, March). Biological stress response in women at risk of postpartum psychosis: The role of life events and inflammation. Psychoneuroendocrinology.Besharat, M., Nia, M., & Farahani, H. (2013, February). Anger and major depressive disorder: The mediating role of emotion regulation and anger rumination - sciencedirect.Essali, N., & Miller, B. J. (2020, September 19). Psychosis as an adverse effect of antibiotics. Brain, behavior, & immunity - health. Gilden, J., & Kamperman, A. (2025, October 3). Long-term outcomes of postpartum psychosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatrist.com.Gudnadottir, U., Kamau, N., Fornes, R., Nguyen, M. H., Callens, S., Fransson, E., Engstrand, L., Bruyndonckx, R., & Brusselaers, N. (2024, August). Antibiotic or gastric acid inhibitor use during pregnancy and postpartum depression: Population-based Cohort Study. OBGYN Scandinavica. Kraeuter, A.-K., Phillips, R., & Sarnyai, Z. (2020, August 10). The gut microbiome in psychosis from mice to men: A systematic review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Frontiers. Rommel, A.-S., Molenaar, N. M., Gilden, J., Kushner, S. A., Westerbeek, N. J., Kamperman, A. M., & Bergink, V. (2021, October 28). Long-term outcome of postpartum psychosis: A prospective clinical cohort study in 106 women - international journal of bipolar disorders. SpringerLink.Sahu, A., Gupta, P., & Chatterjee, B. (2014, January). Depression is more than just sadness: A case of excessive anger and its management in Depression. Indian journal of psychological medicine.

    58 min
  8. Seven Hospitals and Still No Help: Steven D’Achille on Losing Alexis and Building the Alexis Joy Foundation

    Mar 16

    Seven Hospitals and Still No Help: Steven D’Achille on Losing Alexis and Building the Alexis Joy Foundation

    Steven D’Achille shares the story of losing his wife, Alexis, to postpartum psychosis just five weeks after the birth of their daughter. Despite multiple hospital visits and attempts to manage escalating symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression that progressed into psychosis, Alexis ultimately took her own life. Steven reflects on the unimaginable reality of navigating a rapidly unfolding mental health crisis, the warning signs he witnessed, and the profound impact the experience had on him and their family. From that tragedy, Steven founded the Alexis Joy Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting mothers and families experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. He shares the work the foundation has done over the past decade and reflects on his own path through grief, therapy, and rebuilding life after loss. This conversation is both heartbreaking and hopeful; a reminder of the urgency of maternal mental health care, and a call to support one another, speak openly about postpartum struggles, and take action wherever we can. Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation. Please take care while listening and choose the time and space that feels right for you. Resources: The Alexis Joy Foundation - DonateNational Maternal Mental Health Hotline - 1-833-TLC-MAMACitations: Howlander, N., Noone, A. M., & Krapcho, M. (2019). Seer Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2017. SEER. Khan, A., & Brown, W. A. (2015, September 25). Antidepressants versus placebo in major depression: An overview. World Psychiatry. Maternal and infant mortality: Health at a glance 2025 | OECD. OECD. (2025). Patel, R., Reiss, P., Shetty, H., Broadbent, M., Stewart, R., McGuire, P., & Taylor, M. (2015, December 14). Do antidepressants increase the risk of mania and bipolar disorder in people with depression? A retrospective electronic case register cohort study. BMJ open. Pigott, H. E., Kim, T., Xu, C., Kirsch, I., & Amsterdam, J. (2023, July 25). What are the treatment remission, response and extent of improvement rates after up to four trials of antidepressant therapies in real-world depressed patients? A reanalysis of the STAR*D study’s patient-level data with fidelity to the original research protocol. BMJ open. Wang, Z., Liu, J., Shuai, H., Cai, Z., Fu, X., Liu, Y., Xiao, X., Zhang, W., Krabbendam, E., Liu, S., Liu, Z., Li, Z., & Yang, B. X. (2021, October 20). Mapping global prevalence of depression among postpartum women. Nature News.

    1h 20m
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What happens when motherhood collides with a mental health crisis that even doctors struggle to recognize? Postpartum psychosis is a mental health condition that is said to affect about 1–2 in every 1,000 births. This is less common than other mental health conditions - though with 130–140 million births worldwide each year, we’re talking about 130,000–364,000 new cases annually. Across years, as many as 4 million survivors of postpartum psychosis may be living today - yet too often, our stories go unheard. We're creating space to hear those stories. In this podcast, we explore postpartum psychosis in all its complexity - our researched understanding as well as human experiences. We'll weave perspectives into an honest, compassionate conversation - making space for both the heaviness and the hope. We bring together: Survivors who’ve lived through the stormResearchers uncovering what we know (and what we still don’t)Clinicians on the frontlines of carePartners and loved ones who witnessed the unthinkable Here, we normalize Mom Breaks - both the psychotic kind no one asks for, and the everyday kind everyone needs. A delusion I had during my psychosis was that I could reach an altered state where I wouldn’t have to care for myself at all, and could endlessly serve others. The truth - the cure, in many ways - is the opposite. We all need breaks. The small, regular pauses we build into our days and family routines are just as relevant as the bigger, harder interruptions that force us to stop. Mom Breaks remind us that caring for ourselves is not selfish—it’s what allows us to thrive and care for the people we love. We’re here to shine light, offer understanding, and remind each other that nobody has to walk this path alone. If you’ve lived it, love someone who has, or simply believe these stories need to be heard - welcome.

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