Bridget Chesterton’s Battle with Postpartum Psychosis
Two weeks after giving birth, Bridget María Chesterton found herself on the bathroom floor, disoriented and saying words that didn’t make sense. In the emergency room, her confusion persisted as she repeatedly asked, “What’s going on?” Chesterton had lost her grasp on reality.
Her family soon discovered she was experiencing postpartum psychosis, a serious mental health condition highlighted by the case of Lindsay Clancy, who is on trial in Massachusetts. Researchers suggest that postpartum psychosis affects 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 women after childbirth. Although most do not harm their children, severe cases can result in mothers attempting to harm themselves or their children. Fortunately, medication and strong family support helped Chesterton avoid a similar fate.
**Facing Misunderstandings and Raising Awareness**
Chesterton, a history professor from New York, is determined to dispel misconceptions about postpartum psychosis. Online speculation regarding the legitimacy of the condition frustrates her deeply. To raise awareness, she shares her personal story, including a poem published about her experience. “It’s something that we do not talk about as a society,” she explained. “I’m not embarrassed about what happened. I want people to know about it.”
The Struggles of Early Motherhood
Chesterton and her husband, James Fitzsimmons, longed for a child and endured years of fertility treatments. She eventually became pregnant in her mid-40s, with her pregnancy complicated by severe asthma requiring hospitalization. Her daughter was delivered via C-section, two months premature, and was promptly taken to the neonatal intensive care unit, where she stayed for weeks.
Initially, Chesterton seemed fine at home. However, her condition suddenly deteriorated, ultimately landing her in the hospital. She made unusual comments reflecting memory lapses, like claiming, “it’s meditation day,” despite never meditating.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Postpartum psychosis involves symptoms such as disorganized thinking, delusions, hallucinations, and mood swings. While postpartum depression affects about 1 in 7 women, postpartum psychosis is rarer and can impact anyone after childbirth. Yet, the risk is heightened for those with pre-existing mental health conditions like bipolar disorder. Despite not having such conditions, Chesterton’s situation illustrates that vulnerability exists.
Path to Recovery
After being hospitalized and receiving crisis mental healthcare, Chesterton faced several emotional setbacks. Her stay at BryLin Hospital, despite initial improvements, was followed by involuntary institutionalization due to severe symptoms.
**Role of Family Support and Medical Treatment**
Chesterton credits the combination of antipsychotic medication and family support with helping her recovery. Upon her baby’s return home, support from her husband, parents, and a postpartum doula proved invaluable. Her doctor, Emily Williams, highlighted the necessity of family involvement during the postpartum period, suggesting “the more hands on deck, the better.”
Over months, Chesterton gradually improved, progressing to the point where she could once again care for her baby independently. By her daughter’s first birthday, she had resumed her normal life.
**Important Advice for Families**
Williams emphasizes the importance of recognizing symptoms. When Chesterton’s family took swift action, they demonstrated a necessary proactive stance. Often, families might dismiss signs as sleep deprivation rather than a serious condition.
Chesterton’s mother advises vigilance for any signs of the illness within families, stressing the power of collective support. Without the family’s assistance, Chesterton’s recovery could have taken a different path.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department acknowledges support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP retains full responsibility for its content.