About two weeks after giving birth, Bridget María Chesterton found herself curled up on the bathroom floor, uttering phrases that made little sense. Later, in the emergency room, she repeatedly asked, “What’s going on?” This disconnection from reality was a precursor to a diagnosis that would change her life: postpartum psychosis.
Postpartum psychosis is a severe mental health disorder, brought into public consciousness by high-profile cases such as that of Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts woman currently on trial for the tragic deaths of her three children. A central question in her case is whether postpartum psychosis influenced her actions, highlighting the dire consequences this condition can have.
Researchers estimate that postpartum psychosis affects 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 women after childbirth. While most women who experience this condition do not harm their children, severe cases can lead mothers to attempt self-harm or harm to their children. Chesterton reflected on her own experience, noting that without medication and robust family support, “it could have gone sideways.”
Bridget Chesterton feels compelled to raise awareness about postpartum psychosis. She bristles at online comments that suggest it is not a legitimate disorder and has chosen to share her story publicly to dispel misconceptions. A poem she penned about her experience will be published in a journal later this fall. “It’s something that we do not talk about as a society,” said Chesterton, a 52-year-old history professor from Buffalo, New York. “I’m not embarrassed about what happened. I want people to know about it.”
Understanding Postpartum Psychosis
Chesterton’s journey began with a long-awaited pregnancy after years of fertility treatments. However, she faced severe asthma complications during her pregnancy, leading to an early C-section in January 2019. Her daughter spent the initial weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit, creating a tumultuous start to motherhood.
Initially, Chesterton appeared to cope after returning home, but soon her condition deteriorated. On the day her husband, James Fitzsimmons, found her on the bathroom floor, she struggled to recall basic details of her life. Fitzsimmons contacted Chesterton’s mother, who arrived to find her daughter in a state of confusion, unable to remember that she had just given birth.
Signs and Symptoms
Postpartum psychosis can manifest through disorganized thinking, delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, agitation, and significant mood changes. This condition differs from postpartum depression, which affects approximately 1 in 7 women after childbirth. While postpartum psychosis can happen to any new mother, individuals with a history of mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder, are at a higher risk. Dr. Emily Williams, one of Chesterton’s doctors, noted that Chesterton did not have any pre-existing mental health conditions that typically elevate the risk.
After her initial hospitalization, Chesterton’s condition continued to worsen, leading to her involuntary commitment for further treatment. Despite the challenges, she recognized that the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provided necessary care for her daughter while she was too ill to be a mother. “I was kind of lucky that she was in the NICU because we had somebody to take care of her when I was so sick,” she said.
Recovery and Support
Chesterton credits antipsychotic medication and the unwavering support of her family for her recovery. When her daughter finally came home, her support team included her husband, parents, and a postpartum doula who helped her adjust to motherhood. “She helped me learn how to take care of the baby, remember her — you know, to become a parent again,” Chesterton shared. The importance of a robust support system cannot be overstated; Dr. Williams emphasized that having more people involved during the postpartum period is crucial for all mothers.
As the months passed, Chesterton slowly regained her sense of self. “We could see improvement in her. It was a little bit at a time,” her mother recalled. By her daughter’s first birthday, Chesterton had returned to her normal self, having been on medication for about a year.
Awareness and Vigilance
Dr. Williams stressed the importance of early detection and intervention. Family members must remain vigilant for warning signs of postpartum psychosis, as symptoms can be misattributed to sleep deprivation or stress. Chesterton’s mother encourages families to come together and support one another through these challenging times. “If my daughter would not have had the support system,” she said, “I don’t know how this would have turned out.”
For those facing similar struggles, it is crucial to seek help. The U.S. National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988 for immediate support.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
