The case of a Moradabad woman who reportedly kept her 15-day-old baby in a fridge before going to sleep has shone a spotlight on a rare health condition affecting new mothers.
The 23-year-old new mother, seemingly unaware of the consequences of her action, calmly replied to her husband and in-laws: “He was not sleeping, so I kept him in the fridge,” according to a News18 report.
Turns out the woman was suffering from postpartum psychosis, a rare but severe mental health condition that can develop in mothers shortly after childbirth. People suffering from it may be detached from reality and require urgent medical care, as they can harm themselves or their baby. This is different from the other common postpartum conditions in women, like ‘baby blues’ or ‘postpartum depression’.
What happened
The News18 report says that on September 5, the new mother carried her baby to the kitchen and placed him in the fridge when the infant was restless. She then came back to her room and slept. As soon as the baby was put in the refrigerator, he started crying, waking the grandmother. It was then that she found the baby inside the fridge and pulled him out. The infant was taken to a doctor, who confirmed the child was unharmed.
What is postpartum psychosis?
Postpartum psychosis is a serious mental health condition that happens in some women after childbirth. It usually starts within the first few days or weeks after delivery.
“A mother experiencing postpartum psychosis may lose touch with reality, making her actions unpredictable and sometimes dangerous for herself or her baby,” Dr Chandni Tugnait, MD (A.M) Psychotherapist, Life Alchemist, Coach & Healer, Founder & Director, Gateway of Healing, tells Financial Express.com.
The reason behind the mother’s strange behaviour
“A mother’s decision to put her child in the fridge shows clear signs of postpartum psychosis because it reflects a loss of touch with reality. In this condition, a mother may have delusions or hallucinations that make her believe harmful actions are safe or even necessary. She may feel confused, act without logic, or fail to understand the danger in her actions,” Dr. Divya Shree K R, Consultant – Psychiatry, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, tells Financial Express.com.
Dr Divya says this kind of behaviour doesn’t show cruelty but the fact that her mind was deeply affected after childbirth. “It shows experiencing serious mental illness and couldn’t think clearly. It highlights why postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to protect both the mother and the child,” she added.
The condition is marked by hallucinations and paranoia where the mother’s thought process and actions may not make sense, and could even be dangerous for their baby or themselves.
“The mother may have extreme mood changes, feel very confused, or lose touch with reality. She may see or hear things that are not real or have strong thoughts that do not make sense. Some women may feel very restless, cannot sleep, or talk in a strange way,” says Dr Divya.
How postpartum psychosis differs from baby blues or postpartum depression
Dr Divya says the symptoms of postpartum psychosis are stronger and more dangerous, unlike baby blues or postpartum depression.
“Postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment. With the right care, most women recover and can return to normal life,” she added.
What causes it
New mothers experience a bevvy of changes in their body and mind and combined with sleep deprivation and family history of mental illness, it could turn into a concerning health condition.
“The exact cause is not fully understood, but factors like hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and a personal or family history of mental illness can increase risk. While the condition is frightening, it is treatable with the right medical and psychiatric support. Early recognition and intervention are critical. With timely treatment, most women recover fully and can go on to parent safely and confidently,” says Dr Tugnait.
How to spot signs in new mothers
“If a mother seems very confused, talks in a strange or disorganized way, or appears unable to care for herself or her baby, it may be a warning sign. Seeing or hearing things that are not real, or having strong beliefs that make no sense, are also clear signals. Other signs include severe restlessness, not being able to sleep, or showing unusual fear or suspicion. If a mother expresses thoughts of harming herself or her baby, it is an emergency,” says Dr Divya.
Postpartum psychosis can appear suddenly, often within days or weeks after childbirth. Unlike normal mood changes, the signs are severe and alarming.
Here are some of the signs to look out for as per Dr Tugnait:
Hallucinations or delusions: Seeing, hearing, or believing things that aren’t real.
Severe confusion: Difficulty in understanding surroundings or recognizing familiar people.
Extreme mood swings: Sudden shifts between agitation, euphoria, or deep sadness.
Paranoia or suspiciousness: Feeling that others are against them or that they are unsafe.
Disorganized behavior: Inability to care for self or baby properly.
Thoughts of harm: Expressing intent to harm oneself or the child.
How can this be treated
“Postpartum psychosis can be treated with quick medical care, which often includes medicines to balance mood, reduce psychosis, and improve sleep. In some cases, a short hospital stay is needed to keep the mother and baby safe while she recovers. Therapy and strong family support also henlp in healing,” says Dr Divya.
How family can support new mothers dealing with poor mental health
“Family plays an important role in helping new mothers who may be struggling with mental health issues like postpartum depression or psychosis. Support begins with awareness, by observing changes in mood, sleep, or behavior without judgment. Open, gentle conversations can encourage mothers to share what they’re experiencing instead of suffering in silence,” says Dr Tugnait.