The stigma of unwanted intrusive thoughts and mum rage with Dr Caroline Boyd

Sleep like a baby?

Have you experienced unwanted intrusive thoughts as a new mum? Why does the arrival of (very normal) maternal rage feel like such a shock to so many of us?

I sat down with perinatal psychologist Dr Caroline Boyd who has written a beautiful, incredibly helpful book called Mindful New Mum as an antidote to all the parenting manuals out there currently prescribing a ‘right’ way to mother. Instead she takes a holistic look at the transition into matrescence with a focus on mindful compassion, evidence-based psychology ideas, meditations, visualisations, nutritional advice, natural remedies, baby massage and yoga.

In this episode we talk about ways in which we can learn to soothe ourselves before we can effectively soothe our babies, and yet this is something too few people are talking about in the parenting world.

If you thought it was just you who had intrusive thoughts, or felt rage, this episode is for you!

Trigger Warning: we explore postnatal depression, anxiety and psychosis, and discuss unwanted, intrusive thoughts and taboo topics like self-harm, suicide and harming babies.

If you are in the UK and struggling with unwanted intrusive thoughts or are experiencing any other mental health challenges, please do speak to a trusted health professional/GP who can refer you to further support.

The PND charity PANDAS is another fantastic resource with a free helpline as well as free email and text support.

https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/

Or you can contact Samaritans whose 24hr free helpline as well as email and in person support options.

https://www.samaritans.org/

To purchase Mindful New Mum by Dr Caroline Boyd, go to:

https://www.dk.com/uk/book/9780241531365-mindful-new-mum