Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh – A deeply unusual and alarming incident unfolded in Moradabad, where a 23-year-old new mother suffering from postpartum psychosis placed her 15-day-old baby inside a refrigerator before going to sleep, sparking a distressing moment for her family.
Incident Details
The event occurred last Friday in the Karula area. The grandmother rescued the baby after hearing his cries and acting swiftly. The infant was taken to a hospital immediately, where doctors confirmed his condition was stable.
Family’s Initial Reaction
Initially, the family believed the woman might be under the influence of “evil forces” and resorted to traditional healing rituals. However, when none of these interventions had any effect, she was taken to a psychiatry and de-addiction center, where Dr Kartikeya Gupta diagnosed her with postpartum psychosis.
What Is Postpartum Psychosis?
Postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe mental health condition that can occur shortly after childbirth. It differs significantly from the more common “baby blues”—characterized by mild mood swings—and escalates rapidly into a medical emergency. Without proper treatment, it can pose serious risks to both mother and child.
Medical Expert Insight
Experts explain that postpartum psychosis can cause hallucinations, delusions, confusion, and a profound disconnection from reality. Sleep deprivation and a lack of emotional support following childbirth are significant contributors to its onset. It’s vital that such cases are addressed medically, rather than with superstition.