• Feb 5, 2025

Finding Relief from Intrusive Thoughts

You’re Not a Bad Mom—You’re Struggling with Perinatal OCD

You love your baby more than anything. So why are these terrifying, unwanted thoughts intruding into your mind? Thoughts like, What if I drop him? or What if I lose control? can make you question everything.

Take a deep breath. These thoughts do not define you. Perinatal OCD is a common but distressing condition that affects many new moms—and with the right support, you can get through this.

Understanding the Experience of Perinatal OCD

Perinatal OCD isn’t just regular new-mom worry. It’s a relentless cycle of fear, doubt, and guilt that can feel impossible to escape. You might be bombarded with disturbing, unwanted intrusive thoughts about something bad happening to your baby. These thoughts aren’t reflections of what you want to do—they’re the opposite, which is why they feel so distressing.

Maybe you start avoiding situations that trigger these thoughts—like holding your baby near the stairs or giving them a bath. You might find yourself constantly seeking reassurance: Googling, asking loved ones if you’re a good mom, or mentally reviewing your every action to “make sure” you’d never hurt your baby. For a moment, these compulsions may bring relief, but soon enough, the anxiety creeps back in, stronger than before.

The Weight of Shame and Isolation

The worst part? The shame. Perinatal OCD thrives on making you believe you’re the only mom who’s ever felt this way. The truth is, these thoughts are common and do not say anything about your character or love for your baby. You are not broken—many others have walked this path before you.

How Therapy Helps

We know how exhausting it is to feel trapped in your own mind—constantly analyzing every thought, questioning your intentions, and fearing what they might mean. Our approach is rooted in compassion and evidence-based care.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

ERP is one of the most effective treatments for perinatal OCD. Instead of avoiding the situations or thoughts that trigger anxiety, we gently and gradually help you face them in a safe, supportive way—while resisting compulsions. Over time, your brain learns these thoughts are just noise, not danger.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT teaches you to step back from intrusive thoughts and see them as passing mental events. Rather than battling every thought, you learn to accept uncertainty and refocus on what matters most—being present with your baby and living in alignment with your values.

Compassion-Focused Therapy

Many moms feel like they should “just get over it” or that they’re failing. Compassion-Focused Therapy helps shift that inner dialogue so you can meet yourself with the same self-compassion you’d offer a close friend. You are not failing—you’re doing your best, and that is enough.

Healing Is Possible

Healing from perinatal OCD isn’t about never having another intrusive thought. It’s about learning to live fully even when thoughts arise—without fear or shame steering your choices. We’re here to walk that path with you.

Perinatal OCD can make motherhood feel overwhelming, but help is within reach. With the right tools and support, you can regain confidence and enjoy this chapter of your life.

If you’re tired of feeling stuck in this cycle, there is a way forward. You don’t have to do this alone. Support is available, and change is possible.