Dr. Eda Gorbis, PhD, LMFT, is a renowned lecturer, scientist, and clinician, internationally recognized as a leading authority on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), and related anxiety disorders. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Westwood Institute for Anxiety Disorders in Los Angeles and a Clinical Assistant Professor (V) at the USC Keck School of Medicine. Widely regarded as a premier center of last resort for severe OCD and BDD, the Institute is where Dr. Gorbis has pioneered an intensive, integrative treatment approach for patients who have often failed multiple prior treatments. Her work has been featured on 20/20, 60 Minutes, and MTV's True Life.
Article2 min read
Postpartum OCD: When Is It Time to Ask for Help?
- Eda Gorbis PhD LMFT
- Oct 1, 2025
- 2
It’s common for new moms to experience worry and anxiety over their baby’s safety. When these worries amplify into frightening, intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, however, it can be a sign of postpartum OCD.
What Is Postpartum OCD?
Postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of perinatal anxiety disorder that affects around three to five percent of new mothers. Unlike the typical worries of new parenthood, postpartum OCD involves intrusive, disturbing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive actions or mental rituals (compulsions) aimed at reducing distress.
The thought patterns of postpartum OCD are unwanted, irrational, and often terrifying, tending to focus on fears of harming the baby or failing as a mother. Many moms feel afraid to disclose their intrusive thoughts to anyone—even their partner—due to feeling ashamed or fearing judgment.
How Long Does Postpartum OCD Last?
Postpartum OCD can appear during pregnancy or within the first few months after childbirth. Symptoms might last for weeks, months, or even longer if left unmanaged. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can help shorten the effects of postpartum OCD.
Symptoms of Postpartum OCD
| Quiz: Am I Experiencing Postpartum OCD? |
| Compulsively checking on your baby: repeatedly making sure they’re breathing, checking locks and doors |
| Excessive cleaning or sanitizing: constantly washing hands, sterilizing bottles or toys that are already clean |
| Disturbing, intrusive thoughts about harm coming to your baby: about dropping them, the baby getting injured, or someone hurting them |
| Experiencing worries or becoming occupied with safety rituals that interfere with your ability to bond with your baby |
| Unfounded worry about not being a good mom: constantly asking family members and friends for validation |
| Fearing that you might accidentally or intentionally harm your baby, even though you would never want to |
| Avoiding being alone with your baby out of fear of acting on an intrusive thought |
| Feeling afraid to tell anyone about your thoughts out of fear that they might judge you |
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