--- title: Catherine Cho on Postpartum Psychosis date: 2025-04-21T08:56:00-04:00 author: Jonese Austin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/catherine-cho-on-postpartum-psychosis" section: "Stories & Conversations" --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# Catherine Cho on Postpartum Psychosis In a story from her book “Inferno: A Memoir of Motherhood and Madness,” Catherine Cho shares her experience with stress-induced postpartum psychosis. After her son, Cato, was born, Catherine Cho and her husband, James, left London for a trip to introduce their son to their family who still lived in the US. After traveling for 31 days, Cho began to experience symptoms of postpartum psychosis. She experienced paranoia and felt that she was being watched. She had delusions, including that her baby had devil eyes. She heard voices telling her to kill her baby. She was unable to sleep and felt as though she were in hell. In this excerpt, she discusses her symptoms, her treatment, and the effect that it had on her relationship with her son. Through her recovery, she had to learn how to love her son again and how to be a mother again. This is because medical practitioners in the US didn’t create the treatment for postpartum psychosis in the US with the best intentions of mothers and their children in mind. To hear more from Catherine Cho about her experience with postpartum psychosis, listen to her extended interview with Katherine May on the podcast "How We Live Now": > I learned that if we’d been in the UK, I would have been admitted to a mother–baby unit, and not as a regular psych patient, as I had been in the US. My psychiatrist told me that the medication I’d been prescribed, haloperidol, was a first-generation drug and not commonly used. Treatment in the UK is focused on keeping mother and baby as close as possible, in order to minimise emotional separation. When I read this, I felt angry. The rules had felt so trivial and arbitrary, and they had had such an impact on our lives. I had come back a stranger, and the distance I felt from Cato wasn’t something I could grieve; it went beyond loss. It was a severance, a removal that was complete. [Read the full article ](https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/mar/07/my-baby-had-devils-eyes-the-reality-of-postpartum-psychosis) SOURCE: The Guardian • AUTHOR: Catherine Cho • LAST UPDATED: March 7, 2020 ![A white head against a red background with black branches going everywhere](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAYCAIAAAAUMWhjAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAENElEQVRIiW1V0ZIkOQ3MlGS7uqf3dvaAYyEICHjgE+Av+TS+gFcuWA6Wnd2emS7bknio7p6egQxFhcNVkWmlZBX/8qffhs/59Hn9cX3+ikfgK/AAfAG+ASdAgQNwD3wA7v/8x+8+/urw4X5/OLRlV0oR0Qz4iH6ap+P6+J/n46fjw1+/fe1fHvDvR/xDQIIEhYpb8PIkIIAAbKAoRUghZXuQlw2SBAUgWa4MaVAlElbRnoG3GgLYNX4Ga81KsWJnqG0ZINwtVFVV1Ch7yiMJEGkwg5CzYfeK+spegLrFh1/X3b62VmurrdZSSilCzcgJCc9Z3IpqVb0T+YlEEjDWki6Ihh1Ygf6ioQAv7K1geX/f9vtlt1uWZWmtLc2sCCUihZ6R3rxXK03tThXU8xFroQuyYfceP3/Aj68EFGjAArTf37d33y13+2W3Wy4SZrYJTE4kvHtppTSznShEzhmUkqpEcOzx7uHWn+0IddP4/oflcHdlvxFgeA7RTHj3tfXSzHZqldpTNosYQQTaDjvgHvjyKoMK1D+gHd4t+93ZnzN/MzOC4SGU9Jxt1mqlWVlUfyH6dyhgKIURyGCtXA58f8SX/yny+491v6/L0pbWWmutttaWVk2NpHsIGR6jWqlWqlpTO8i5BjRDBCNQKsoddke+6dHvUfaHsrR6Qau11VJLNTMCLsGEV++llGJW1IrqIgIKYFRLBi2oxtJYgQU8QYDcKvEOWrf2L2ZWilmxYqUU2zIQ8cy0YWZqRdVUi2iTrZGMqiTpSjVKgYJ78ARcLrBWqJnewG5W2xgIjZtNERUxCkQAI5UkREmFGDdWgEBeOooXiFAoQhERFVERgMiUF9y8qyIdl8GyLaBM0i+8242YQCQzCSBvJ9UmjcsYelmTpJCLCiC8BFKYZBifztQbWz4hx8jp6Z6RmZGvgC3eDDFSxJSAIMlrODHB9eXTAOIT4nTyMX16+AyP8PB4jcyIjE0pkduIpgpgDCLIAB10cM3rrE4gAAf8+NVPq/cxx5xjzjl9+jTfvIiI8KtixqaRBJRQYyAddNLBAT7Nt+zA/Oe/5sfneVrnOmYfc8wxhqoSJCMip4e7u0f4lg4QpCtxZ3QwAAcn0JOfL7UFcmMH5k8Y347j+TTWtfc+eh+1qk4AFInIOX3OcA/3DM/wzCCGEDuDgwHOxAB78vnldxZAAhMYwPj8uf/wy35ax9p7H6V3UU1ARDIx5pzuc16TABxYlahG3ywCZ/L0tgDY2IHxt0/jN78bp7WvffTeexUzgJvAnGf2LYn0TCemEGbwROTZi1Ne/blqzKvG8Wmc1tH76GOMoaOAomeBmNN9hnuEZzgyAJAwQ4AOeP7fDF7qDMzj41z71ks+3ecUkVTLxEuBIzIytzpDADHkDVnHG1w1Aoin5xjTr4iQCDAyEZEbdQQiM6/+Qv4L7xqyPlG2wgMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=) breakermaximus/Adobe Stock ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/mental-health) - [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth) - [ body & mind postpartum](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/body-mind-postpartum) - [ race, class, and mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/race-class-and-mental-health) - [depression](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/depression) - [postpartum](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/postpartum) - [Asian American](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/asian-american) - [stories & conversations](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stories-conversations) - [stress](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stress) - [therapy (psychotherapy)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/therapy-psychotherapy) - [culture](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/culture) - [BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/bipoc-black-indigenous-and-people-of-color) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [ResourcesListen ## The State of Care for Perinatal and Postpartum Depression On this podcast, physicians discuss the signs, symptoms, causes, and treatment of prenatal and postpartum depression. ![The State of Care for Perinatal and Postpartum Depression scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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) On this podcast, physicians discuss the signs, symptoms, causes, and treatment of prenatal and postpartum depression.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-state-of-care-for-perinatal-and-postpartum-depression) [Stories & ConversationsInteract ## A Lonely Struggle: Motherhood and Mental Health An interactive story in which mothers explain their feelings and emotions of dealing with parenthood. ![A Lonely Struggle](data:image/png;base64,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) An interactive story in which mothers explain their feelings and emotions of dealing with parenthood.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/a-lonely-struggle-motherhood-and-mental-health) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## A Conversation about Mental Health during Pregnancy An obstetrician and a new mother talk about the challenges Black women in rural Georgia face finding mental health support during pregnancy. ![pexels-dayvison-de-oliveira-silva-5695280](data:image/png;base64,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) An obstetrician and a new mother talk about the challenges Black women in rural Georgia face finding mental health support during pregnancy.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/a-conversation-about-mental-health-during-pregnancy) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Interacting with My Cardiologist TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. ![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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) TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health3) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Difficult Menstrual Cycles CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager. ![Menstruation](data:image/png;base64,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) CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-menstruation-cb) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## It Was Like Somebody Turned on a Faucet CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts. ![Period Blood](data:image/png;base64,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) CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/living-with-irregular-menstrual-cycles) [ResourcesRead ## Five Tips to Handle Holiday Stress Top five tips from the American Heart Association to help you manage holiday stress and maintain your heart health. ![pexels-askar-abayev-6192017](data:image/png;base64,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) Top five tips from the American Heart Association to help you manage holiday stress and maintain your heart health.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/5-tips-to-handle-holiday-stress) [ResourcesRead ## Letting Go of Survival Mode Survival mode is a natural response to chronic stress. But it does not allow us to think, grow, or flourish. ![Mature woman meditating with her eyes closed and her hands in prayer position. Black woman with dreadlocks practicing yoga in a studio. Happy middle-aged woman maintaining a healthy lifestyle.](data:image/png;base64,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) Survival mode is a natural response to chronic stress. But it does not allow us to think, grow, or flourish.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/letting-go-of-survival-mode)