**Trigger warning** discussion of intrusive, unwanted and distressing harm thoughts about baby.

In today’s episode I’m interviewing Dr Caroline Boyd, a clinical psychologist and expert on intrusive harm thoughts experienced by mothers. Dr Caroline has completed research on the prevalence of unwanted, intrusive harm thoughts amongst new mothers, and found accidental harm thoughts (something happening to baby) are almost universal amongst new mothers and 1 in 2 mothers experience unwanted intentional harm thoughts.

Dr Caroline Boyd’s research showed that whilst these thoughts are incredibly common, talking about it isn’t, and that can add to the distress experienced. My intention in sharing this episode is to open up a conversation about this in the hope that doing so will help break the stigma and allow you to start talking about this within your own support networks and with the mothers you know.

In the episode I talk to Caroline about her research including:

• What intrusive/harm thoughts are
• Carolines research regarding the prevalence of unwanted harm thoughts amongst new mothers
• The ‘perfect mother myth’ and how this contributes to our experience of unwanted harm thoughts
• How to manage harm thoughts and intrusive thoughts
• When and how to seek help

You can reach Dr Caroline Boyd at https://drcarolineboyd.com/ where she offers video therapy or through Instagram @_drboyd where she writes about harm thoughts and parenting.

Website can be found here: https://www.nikkimccahon.com/podcastepisodes/38

Caroline also wanted to mention that dads also experience intrusive thoughts, at a slightly lesser degree than mothers.

If this episode has brought up any concerns for you, or if you are of help and support, please visit your GP or contact:

Australia: PANDA Hotline: 1300 726 306 and website: https://www.panda.org.au 

United Kingdom: PaNDAs - 0808 1961 776 and website: https://pandasfoundation.org.uk

United States of America: Postpartum Support International: 1800 944 4773(4PPD) and website: https://www.postpartum.net

In case of emergency:

Australia: 000

United Kingdom: 999

United States of America: 911

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