WHAT TO DO

Auckland-based clinical psychologist Natalie Flynn specialises in the transition to parenthood and has worked extensively with women experiencing postnatal mental health issues. We asked her advice on how to cope.

How common is postnatal OCD?

New Zealand statistics show that approximately 1.4 per cent of women are suffering from OCD at any given time. Among women who have recently given birth, the incidence increases significantly. The degree of increase varies with studies, but some studies show a twofold increase, possibly more.

Do women who develop it have signs before they give birth?

When we look back at women with postnatal OCD we will often see signs going back to childhood. The usual presentation during childhood is around contamination and responsibility OCD. Contamination OCD will present itself as children complaining of feeling unclean or having the idea that they have become contaminated by something they’ve come in contact with. Children with responsibility OCD often feel that they need to perform rituals such as “checking” to keep people safe. Also, retrospective studies show that about one quarter of young people with OCD have sexual obsessions (unwanted sexual thoughts that are distressing) but many lack the confidence to report these at the time they occur.

What are some common indications of postnatal OCD?

Symptoms of postnatal OCD vary from mother to mother. Obsessions are often related to harm