Redditors Help New Dad Realize His Wife Is Suffering From Postpartum Psychosis After He Asked About Her Feeding Their Two-Month-Old Oatmeal

A new dad felt he had to set the record straight when he witnessed his wife lie to their 2-month-old daughter's pediatrician. During their last visit, the doctor advised them not to feed their daughter anything but milk until she was four to six months old.

OP's wife refused to heed the doctor's advice. She told OP that she knew what was best for their child and that the doctor wasn't the parent of their baby.

For the past month, she had been feeding their two-month-old daughter mashed potatoes, applesauce, sweet tea, and assorted fruit juices. As a result, their baby was suffering.

She screamed and cried for hours every night because she was constipated. His wife brushed it off, claiming their baby was just colicky.

OP asked her several times to stop feeding their infant table food. He urged her to follow the pediatrician's advice and return to giving their baby formula.

His wife listened to an extent and gave their daughter one or two bottles of formula while OP was at work. However, OP realized that things hadn't improved as he had hoped when he woke up to find his wife making scrambled eggs and oatmeal.

OP started to prepare a bottle for their daughter, but his wife stopped him. She insisted that he should not fill their daughter up because she needed to eat her oatmeal first.

They argued, but OP fed their daughter formula anyway. OP had to take action during their next doctor's visit.

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His wife complained to the doctor that their daughter was colicky. The pediatrician asked what they had been feeding their baby.

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OP's wife replied that they had given her nothing but formula. OP became upset that his wife had lied, so he told the doctor everything she had fed their daughter.

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Understanding Postpartum Mental Health

Postpartum psychosis is a serious mental health condition that affects a small percentage of new mothers, as detailed in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

Research highlights that the condition often manifests as severe mood swings, delusions, and disorientation, necessitating immediate medical intervention.

Understanding the symptoms is crucial for partners to provide appropriate support and care during this vulnerable time.

The doctor stated that the inappropriate food had caused their daughter's stomach to be upset. OP's wife became angry that he "ratted" her out to the doctor. She kicked him out and asked him to stay at his parents' house until she was ready to forgive him.

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OP was right to be concerned, but not just about his baby; he also needed to pay attention to his postpartum wife.

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If she is not acting normally, and her "off" behavior is endangering their infant daughter, then OP needs to seek help.

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The importance of recognizing signs of postpartum conditions cannot be overstated, as early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.

According to the World Health Organization, timely support can help mitigate risks associated with severe mental health issues in new parents.

Encouraging open communication about mental health needs is vital for promoting wellness in the family.

Redditors understood that OP's problem was beyond simply asking for a judgment on who was wrong at the doctor's office. His wife and daughter needed help that Redditors couldn't provide.

lamamaloca, Ishmael128

Initial comments focused on what OP should do if his wife insisted on feeding their baby solid food.

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However, OP's replies revealed a more pressing issue for their family.

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The Role of Support Systems

Support systems play a critical role in the mental health of new parents, particularly in recognizing and responding to postpartum challenges.

Research indicates that social support can buffer the effects of stress and promote resilience in new parents.

Building a strong network of family and friends can foster a nurturing environment for both parents and the newborn.

The commenters were spot on when they suggested that OP's wife could be experiencing postpartum psychosis.

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He found her on the bathroom floor and asked her to speak to a professional while he and their daughter were at his parents' house.

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OP asked what else he could do for his wife to ensure her health and safety while he was away.

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One actionable recommendation is to establish a postpartum care plan that includes mental health resources and support networks.

Studies show that having a structured plan can enhance coping strategies and reduce feelings of isolation.

Regular check-ins with healthcare professionals can also provide ongoing support and reassurance.

Redditors advised him to contact the emergency hotline or go to an emergency room immediately. His wife needs a psychiatric evaluation.

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The commenters didn't rest until OP provided an update.

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OP's wife was hysterical when his mother arrived to pick up their baby.

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Navigating New Parenthood

Becoming a parent is a transformative experience that can bring both joy and challenges.

Research from developmental psychology highlights that new parents often experience a rollercoaster of emotions, necessitating a flexible approach to coping.

Understanding these emotional fluctuations can help partners support each other more effectively during this life transition.

She locked herself in the bathroom while they waited for crisis response.

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Without the additional context provided by OP's further comments, it was easy to believe that OP's wife was just a misguided new mother. She could have been another new mom misled by online forums.

OP's honest replies proved crucial, as they led to his wife hopefully receiving the medical help she needed. OP hasn't shared any updates since his original post.

Psychological Analysis

This scenario reflects the critical importance of awareness around postpartum mental health issues, especially in the early stages of parenthood.

Recognizing symptoms and providing support can be pivotal in ensuring the well-being of both the parent and the child.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Understanding postpartum mental health is crucial for supporting new parents during a challenging time.

According to research findings, fostering open communication and support can significantly improve mental health outcomes and family dynamics.