Daughter with BPD

[Newgm]

Does anyone know whether BPD normally worsens during pregnancy and postpartum?

My daughter recently had a baby and her BDP symptoms seem much worse now, especially her black/white thinking.

Thanks for any insights.

Our objective is to better understand the struggles our child faces and to learn the skills to improve our relationship and provide a supportive environment and also improve on our own emotional responses, attitudes and effectiveness as a family leaders

[Sancho]

Hi Newgm
I'm not aware of formal studies with this focus, so can only comment from my experience. When DD was expecting her symptoms seemed to improve and I think that was because she was getting lots of attention (which kept the 'abandonment' issues at bay). Underneath there was lots of anxiety though.

When baby was born the symptoms were worse - I think due to great increase in anxiety etc.

To me it makes sense that symptoms would increase - and black and white thinking in particular. The physical/hormonal/emotional changes that occur really put pressure the rational thinking part of the brain for anyone, but for someone with BPD who struggles to have flexible rational thinking at the best of times, it would be very hard.

It is also hard for those supporting the bpd new mom because obvious things that could support are just locked out from any possibility.

 Very frustrating . . .