The Lindsay Clancy trial has dominated headlines recently. Clancy admitted to killing her three children before attempting to end her own life in 2023.
Her lawyers argued that she was suffering from postpartum psychosis—a rare but severe condition that can result in hallucinations, delusions, homicide, or suicide—and that the care she received for her illness was inadequate.
Regardless of how one feels about the legal outcomes, the trial has brought crucial national attention to postpartum mental health issues.
Understanding the Reality: Psychosis vs. Postpartum Depression
While postpartum psychosis affects only about 0.1% of live births in the US, postpartum depression (PPD) is far more widespread.
According to the CDC, current rates of PPD sit at 13%, with some estimates reaching as high as 20% of new mothers.
Front-Line Observation: Key Warning Signs for Doulas
As doulas, we are uniquely positioned on the front lines to identify potential warning signs of postpartum mental health issues during our follow-up visits with clients. Key red flags to monitor include:
- Emotional & Mood Changes: Persistent sadness, severe anxiety, or drastic mood swings
- Anger & Irritability: Unexpected outbursts or persistent agitation
- Loss of Interest & Bonding: Detachment from the baby or loss of joy in daily activities
- Physical Red Flags: Extreme, debilitating fatigue beyond typical newborn sleep deprivation
Action Steps: How to Intervene and Support
If you have concerns about a client’s mental state, act promptly and compassionately:
- Speak Up Early: Raise your concerns directly with both the client and their partner.
- Encourage Professional Support: Strongly urge them to contact their OB-GYN, midwife, or a qualified mental health therapist.
- Handle Immediate Emergencies: If you believe a client or her children are in immediate danger, inform her gently but firmly that you are obligated to report your concerns to local authorities and request a wellness check.
Moving Forward
We cannot prevent every tragedy—a painful reality I know from personal experience—but by staying vigilant, we can motivate our clients to seek the professional help they need in a timely manner.