A qualitative investigation of the role of the baby in recovery from psychosis after childbirth

Psychosis after childbirth is a rare but severe type of mental health difficulty experienced by perinatal women. Research has explored mothers’ experiences of onset and recovery from psychosis after childbirth. This study explored the role of the baby in 12 mothers’ experiences of recovery. A thematic analysis of the data identified three core themes that described the role of the baby in the mothers’ recovery from psychosis after childbirth. Findings revealed that the baby was central to recovery; experienced by mothers as both helpful and unhelpful. The baby interacted with the mother, increasing self-efficacy and reducing emotional distress. Findings also showed that the baby could act as a barrier to recovery by increasing the women’s emotional distress and hindering access to help and self-care. The findings of the study add to the existing evidence base on recovery from psychosis after childbirth. The research and clinical implications of these findings are discussed with reference to the existing literature.