Submitted by: Nichole Fairbrother
We are researching new mothers’ thoughts of harm related to the newborn, and how they are related to the development of anxiety, and a mom’s risk of harming her infant. Almost all new moms experience unwanted thoughts of harm coming to their infant (e.g., baby choking), and close to one half of all new moms experience unwanted thoughts of actively harming their infant (e.g., stepping on the baby). These thoughts can be very worrying for new mothers. The information learned through this study will be used to develop educational materials for new mothers and maternity care providers.