Intrusive thoughts are incredibly common. They’re often the brain’s way of responding to stress, hormonal changes, or heightened vigilance—a natural byproduct of the postpartum period. These thoughts are not indicators of your character or intent; they are fleeting mental events. Understanding this can help you detach from the guilt and shame that often accompany them. Having a new baby is a time of great vulnerability. Your brain in trying to manage keeping a tiny human safe. The magnitude of this task can create difficulties for an overwhelmed mind.

Intrusive thoughts are not a reflection of your character or intentions. They are a sign that your brain is on high alert, trying to protect you and your baby from potential harm. While this heightened vigilance can be useful, it can also backfire, causing your mind to fixate on worst-case scenarios. There is no feeling more vulnerable than new motherhood, and it can leave you feeling a sense of powerlessness that your brain has a hard time processing.