Shannon Elizabeth Steinbach, mother of two and resident of Schleswig, Iowa, killed her infant child and then killed herself on May 19. The case has tentatively been ruled a murder-suicide. Authorities say it appears that Shannon hanged herself in the basement of the family home. Four-month-old Hope was found drowned in an upstairs bathtub. There are, of course, questions as to whether Steinbach was suffering from a postpartum mood disorder. Her family members have said she was a very loving mother, and had just spent thee months visiting her newborn daughter every single day at the hospital, where she had been born prematurely. They believe Shannon was experiencing postpartum depression. This story was reported by WOWT in Omaha, Nebraska.
Mother Kills Baby, Self in Iowa
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This is heartbreaking. 🙁
How can these stories not cripple and terrify the many women on this site currently experiencing perinatal mood disorders? This is probably the most difficult part of the illness…hearing these stories and believing you are insane and have no control over your actions. Why doesn't anyone make any posts about dealing with these feelings?? How can you ever start to bond with your baby while getting treatment if you hear these stories and believe they are about you???
"There are, of course, questions as to whether Steinbach was suffering from a postpartum mood disorder."
I am her best friend, of what would have been 20 + years. While, I've contemplated replying to this many times, I haven't. Now, as the third anniversary to Shannon's death is just two days away, I must address the quote, posted above. There is no question about it, Shannon WAS suffering from postpartum psychosis!!! I've been her friend through thick and thin, and hated myself for so long because I didn't recognize the signs until after she and Hope died. The words "if only I….", has been my one thought for so long. I am now able to see that, while I saw the signs, I couldn't have done anything because I wasn't educated about this disorder, nor did I realize the signs were there until it was too late.
I encourage everyone reading this to go and learn as much as you can about postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. Do what you can to learn how you can recognize if a loved one in need. You just might be the one person that is able to help them and even save a life.