I remember reading about Lauren Shockey last year, but I don't think I wrote about it because I was just so bummed out. Shockey, 27,was arrested last Fall after injuring her 8-day-old daughter by throwingthe babytothe asphalt after running through the neighborhood naked and screamingwith her during a psychotic episode. Apparently the baby has recovered although she is still being monitored carefully.
The Philadelphia Intelligencer reported last week that the judge in Lauren Shockey's case chose to sentence her to probation. She must continue receiving mental health treatment as a condition of her sentence. The judge said his decision was based on studying postpartum psychosis, and that he was also affected by the amount of support family, friends and others put behind her. He could have sentenced her to up to 5 years in prison.
Shockey is still not allowed to have contact with her daughter although she hopes to regain custody, and she must report to the judge if she becomes pregnant again. Thebaby now lives with her father, who fully supports his wife. Shockey and her husband live in separate houses.
I'm glad the reporter at least made the distinction b/w depression and psychosis. Still progress needed on the headline writers, but that's not unique to our challenge – they botch headlines all the time. It's terrific she has such incredible support.
Thanks for publishing my story here and maintaining this wonderful blog.