Almost half of new mums experience hallucinations or dark thoughts

Almost half of new mums experience hallucinations or dark thoughts, according to a new study.

These thoughts, fears, and even visions can include something bad happening to their newborn or the belief that they or someone else will do something to harm the infant. A further two-thirds of these women have admitted to hiding their feelings out of fear of judgement from other people. The study conducted by parenting website ChannelMum found that 63 percent of new mums worried that "something awful" was going to happen their baby. 13 percent of people had envisioned themselves harming (and in some cases, killing) their child and one in 50 were convinced that their baby hated them. Despite all of this, the study found that 65 percent of women who experienced these thoughts had never been told that pregnancy could affect their mental health. Just over one-quarter of those surveyed said that they felt "ashamed" about their mental health issues and one in five said that they never sought treatment because they were afraid their child would be "taken away." ChannelMum founder, Siobhan Freegard said:

“If your body is broken after birth, everyone understands and supports you. But when your mind is broken, mums still feel they have to keep it hidden. “I suffered from postnatal depression and visualised extreme images after the birth of my first child then tried to cover it up, so I know exactly what women are going through when they hide it. “There is so much pressure to cope and be the perfect parent that when you are crying inside while everyone around you is smiling, it makes you feel you are failing your baby and your whole family."

Freegard went on to say that new mums need to know that they are supported and that their child will not be taken away unless there is sufficient reason for it.

“With care, compassion and the right treatment, you can get better quickly, bond with your baby and go on to be the parent you want to be.”