Postpartum Psychosis

[Mr.B]

This is a subject that I really need help with. Recently a close friend had first baby, unplanned. She has had a traumatic past and started seeing a therapist within the last year. Now after the baby, see has been diagnosed, w/ Postpartum Psychosis, and Bipolar. After an episode where she threatened her self and the baby, her very loving husband had no choice but to have her committed on her therapist request. Now he's basically a single father with an infant. They are more than friends. They're my family.

I'm doing my best to help and I know there's no quick fix, but I could really use some advice about this subject. If anyone's dealt with this, please, what helped you get through this? There's a lot of talk about postpartum depression, but this is far worse. Are there any good books? Websites? Another good podcast that's talked about it? If there's an episode here could you please tell me? Knowledge and understanding are the only thing that can help at this point. I just want to be able to be there for them and gather some tools to help us understand just what we're up against and guide us through the rough times. Thank you.

[Leebeeboo]

I don't have experience with Postpartum Psychosis, but I am so sorry that your friend is dealing with it. I was afraid after I had kids that it would happen to me, thankfully, it never did. I can understand how, in the haze after a baby is born, this could happen. You're so tired, and if you already have a predisposition to mental illness, I can see how the lack of sleep, hormonal flux, and the loss of self that ensues after the birth of a baby can lead to terrible things so, so easily. Sending hugs.

[Paul Gilmartin]

I'll shoot Dr. Zucker an email and she what she says.

Paul

[Paul Gilmartin]

Here's what she said:

Here are the best resources for getting support, information, book options and more about postpartum challenges... No podcasts that I know of yet...

Postpartum Support International
http://www.postpartum.net

Postpartum Progress
http://www.postpartumprogress.com/the-s ... ma-english

http://www.postpartumprogress.com

Book List
http://www.postpartumprogress.com/books ... -illnesses

Los Angeles County Perinatal Mental Health Task Force
http://www.maternalmentalhealthla.org

Postpartum Stress Center
http://postpartumstress.com