post partum psychosis

Published

Hi all, I read in the news about the TX mom who killed her baby (cut arms off) while in the throes of post partum psychosis. According to the article she has suffered with this after previous births. My question is: if a Mom has a hx like this, why dont they medicate ahead of time to head off problems, since pp psychosis doesnt usually occur right after the birth? Second, if her OB knew the hx, isnt he/she liable for not doing so? Third, why do these ladies keep giving birth if they know they are going to have trouble?

Lauura

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My question is, if she told the husband the day before that she was going to sacrifice the baby to God, why did he leave her alone with the baby? If psychosis is present or thought to be present, and in light of previous incidents here in Texas involving psychotic mothers, why in heaven's name didn't the spouse or other loved ones step in and protect this innocent life? It's better to be safe than sorry.

My kids were telling me about the news story and I was so upset that I couldn't even read about it until the next day. I was so overwhelmed by grief at the thought of another child's life being taken in such a hideous manner.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in RN Education, OB, ED, Administration.

Unthinkable! Absolutely UNFORGIVEABLE!

But I'm not so sure it is so on the part of the mother. This mother or any other for that matter that has progressed to the point of psychosis is obviously not in their right mind. I am not in any way making excuses for her actions. HOWEVER, when I am unlucky enough to be assigned postpartum teaching (blech!), I try to always do it with a SO at the bedside. I tell them the normal things they might expect regarding their emotions. I tell them that they should NOT, under any circumstances buy Reba McIntyre's CD: For My Broken Heart. etc. etc. BUT, then I say... It is important that you let your MD know if you progress beyond weepiness. If you feel like you don't want to take care of yourself or the baby.... I then look at the SO and tell them that she might not recognize that she needs help and it is up to them to watch for signs and symptoms.

Sad.... Sad...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What is on the Reba CD that you ask the parents not to listen to? Just curious. And do you say that to all the parents, or were you just joking?

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in RN Education, OB, ED, Administration.

Lord, I am just joking! When I had my first baby (12 years ago) my ex-husband got me that CD as a present because I really wanted it. Little did I know that it was packed full of very sad songs and I literally SOBBED for two hours while listening to it. Those postpartum hormones will get you every time! Have a great day! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
my question is, if she told the husband the day before that she was going to sacrifice the baby to god, why did he leave her alone with the baby? if psychosis is present or thought to be present, and in light of previous incidents here in texas involving psychotic mothers, why in heaven's name didn't the spouse or other loved ones step in and protect this innocent life? it's better to be safe than sorry.

my kids were telling me about the news story and i was so upset that i couldn't even read about it until the next day. i was so overwhelmed by grief at the thought of another child's life being taken in such a hideous manner.

i am just curious: didn't the father call the day care to check up on the baby and when he found out that the baby was not there yet, didn't he call the police to go check at his house. i am not making excuses or trying to defend the dad, but i am not sure that it would be possible for him to never leave the baby alone with the mom. they both could have been dressed and ready to go to work. he might have taken the baby to the daycare for the last 5 months, but been running late that day. do we know when she said that comment about sacrificing the baby? what if she said it 5 months ago and he has been with the baby every moment since then, but this day he was running late and maybe the mom had not showed any signs of being "crazy" for the last 3 months, so he decided to let her take the baby to daycare. he might have left the house 4 mintues before she was supposed to leave. he could have called the daycare 15 minutes after he got to work. your statement makes him sound like an accomplice.

i am not trying to take the dad's side, but we don't know all the circumstances and he must be going through hell right now. who knows, maybe he blew her off when she said the thing about sacrificing the baby, but maybe she did not say it to him... and maybe he misjudged her level of depression, but is he a psychologist or other mental health professional?. my heart goes out to him: he lost his child and the woman he married (who is obviously not the same person who murdered his child). when something tragic happens to your family, your first thought is "if only i had done ....". survivor's guilt is a very powerful emotion to have to deal with. i don't think we should be so quick to add to that load (when we don't know the circumstances). groupthink is a dangerous weapon.

again, i am not trying to offend any of the posters.. and i hope this does not come off as me being on a soapbox.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D.

I live in the next town over, so the local newspapers/TV stations have really been playing this story alot.

Apparently, from what the paper says (and you know we can believe everything the paper prints!!) she told her husband on the phone that she had cut the daughter's arms off. He then called the daycare to ask them to call her (maybe to verify the sotry or to sit with her??) while he was on his way home. The daycare center called her, and upon being told that she had cut the arms off, the employee called 911. 911 then called her and asked her what happened. The tapes they play on the news are really sad.

Why are all these baby killers from Texas????

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion