Mothers and Doctor Share Raw Truths About Postpartum Impulse Phobias

Paris, France – In a recent broadcast of "Ça commence aujourd'hui," mothers Laura and Margaux, alongside gynecologist obstetrician Amina Yamgnane, bravely opened up about their experiences with postpartum impulse phobias. This condition, characterized by intrusive, often disturbing thoughts of harming oneself or one's baby, is a significant yet rarely discussed aspect of maternal mental health. Laura recounted her struggles, describing vivid thoughts of throwing her baby from a balcony or using a kitchen knife to cause harm. "I couldn't stand seeing a knife in the kitchen because I imagined killing her," she shared, detailing the immense guilt and fear that accompanied these intrusive thoughts. Margaux echoed similar experiences, stating, "I saw myself throwing him over the railing, or crashing the car into a tree." Both women emphasized the profound distress caused by these thoughts and the difficulty in speaking about them due to fear of judgment. Amina Yamgnane, the gynecologist, not only provided a professional perspective on the psychological nature of these phobias but also revealed her own personal battle with them after childbirth. "I imagined throwing the baby from the 10th floor," she confessed, highlighting the widespread nature of these thoughts even among medical professionals. She stressed that these are phobias, not intentions, and that no actual harm is inflicted. "It's just phobias, it crosses the brain, it lasts a fraction of a second, and immediately we grab our baby and say 'no, I would never hurt you.' But we feel like we're going crazy." The discussion underscored the critical need for new mothers to consult with professionals and receive support, as these are serious psychological states that require attention.