A Melbourne woman's guilty plea to reckless conduct endangering life has drawn attention to one of the most serious but least understood postpartum mental health conditions—and the urgent need for better awareness and support systems.
Irine Jerotich, 26, briefly faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday, September 15, pleading guilty to a single charge after an incident where an infant was found with life-threatening injuries outside a Dandenong North home in the early hours of August 30, 2024.
Court documents alleged she had placed the child in a plastic bag and thrown them out a bathroom window onto concrete, an act that “placed [the] infant in danger of death.
She was not required to speak beyond indicating her guilty plea to magistrate Leon Fluxman. A second charge of reckless conduct endangering injury was discontinued.
Jerotich appeared in a white hoodie, her hair in a long braided ponytail, and remained on bail with conditions not to leave Victoria and to reside at her home address until her pre-sentence hearing in the County Court of Victoria scheduled for February 2025.
The case has highlighted postpartum psychosis, a rare psychiatric emergency that affects new mothers and requires immediate medical intervention.
Understanding postpartum psychosis
Postpartum psychosis affects 1-2 in every 1000 mothers, making it significantly rarer than the more commonly discussed postnatal depression. However, postpartum psychosis can develop rapidly and place the life of mother and infant in danger related to its symptoms which may include delusions, hallucinations, severe mood symptoms, and cognitive symptoms.
It usually comes on in a very quick and spectacular manner within the first few weeks after giving birth, but the onset can be within hours of delivery.
The word 'psychosis' refers to a loss of sense of reality, and it can be extremely scary, especially if you've never had it before, because you find it difficult to differentiate between reality and the illness playing tricks on your brain.
'With the right care they can make a full recovery'
The condition is considered a psychiatric emergency that requires urgent attention and treatment. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of suicide and in rare cases put the baby's life at risk too.
Warning signs families should recognise
Often, because people are not aware of the disorder or what the symptoms are, when the symptoms occur it can be very confusing and alarming for the mother and family.
Far fewer know that postpartum psychosis is an illness that even exists and can cause them to develop significant mood swings, delusions and hallucinations meaning they are unable to care for themselves or their child.
Warning signs of postpartum psychosis
Severe confusion and cognitive problems that come and go
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there)
Delusions and paranoid thoughts
Extreme mood swings between mania and depression
Severe sleep disturbance
Agitation and restlessness
Difficulty caring for yourself or your baby
These symptoms typically begin to emerge from within 2 days to two weeks after giving birth. In some cases the symptoms can develop later (up to twelve weeks after the baby's birth).
Source: 7NEWS Australia / Youtube.
Risk factors and who's most vulnerable
While any new mother can develop postpartum psychosis, women who have a prior diagnosis of bipolar disorder, or who have experienced the condition when having children prior, are at greater risk. That number rises to 30 percent in mothers who have bipolar disorder.
There is also a relationship between post-partum psychosis and bipolar disorder. Women with bipolar disorder are at greatest risk of a relapse with psychotic symptoms soon after delivery.
However, some women may experience the condition with no prior history, and postpartum psychosis can occur in women with no previous history of psychiatric illness.
Treatment and recovery outlook
The good news is that postpartum psychosis is highly treatable. Even in the most severe cases of postpartum psychosis, one recent study showed that 98 percent of patients got better with treatment.
When first diagnosed with postpartum psychosis, women need to stay in hospital to ensure their own safety and so that they can be closely monitored by their medical team. They may be able to go to a mother and baby unit to allow them to continue to care for their baby in a safe place.
Medication is necessary for the treatment and management of postpartum psychosis to address the chemical imbalance that is leading to the range of extreme symptoms that the woman is likely to be experiencing.
Hope for recovery and support
- 98 per cent recovery rate with proper treatment
- Mother and baby units allow treatment while staying together
- Specialised perinatal mental health services available
- Recovery typically takes weeks to months with ongoing support
Australian support services
Australia has developed comprehensive support networks for maternal mental health, though awareness remains crucial.
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) supports families across Australia affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood, available on 1300 726 306.
Beyond Blue's Support Service is available 24/7 for brief counselling, with counsellors who will listen and help you find the extra mental health help you need on 1300 22 4636.
For immediate emergencies, if someone is having suicidal thoughts and is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest emergency department.
Key Australian mental health contacts
PANDA National Helpline: 1300 726 306 (Monday to Saturday)
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Emergency services: 000
Gidget Foundation: 1300 851 758
ForWhen: 1300 24 23 22
Supporting family members affected
It may be up to partners or another family member to organise medical help. It can be very hard for family members to support a woman who has post-partum psychosis because she may resist help or think that people are intending to harm her.
If you're worried that your partner or loved one is showing signs of postpartum psychosis, it's important to arrange a doctor or mental health professional to see them urgently. While this may be difficult, it is necessary. Both the mother and the baby could be at risk.
Like any other mental illness, postpartum psychosis not only affects the mother and the infant but has an equal impact on families and caregivers.
The bigger picture
Mental health conditions are the leading cause of disease burden in Australian women of child-bearing age (15 to 44 years), with the perinatal period considered to be a time of increased risk.
During the postpartum period, about 85 per cent of women experience some type of mood disturbance. For most the symptoms are mild and short-lived; however, 10 to 15 per cent of women develop more significant symptoms of depression or anxiety.
While Jerotich's case represents an extreme and tragic outcome, people with postpartum psychosis are likely to make a full recovery after getting the right treatment.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding maternal mental health conditions, recognising warning signs, and ensuring women and families know where to seek help. New and expectant mothers must be supported to seek professional care if they need it.
As Australia continues to develop its perinatal mental health services, awareness and early intervention remain crucial. We need to break down the stigma of mental illness, especially for new mothers, because it does respond to treatment.
The court case continues, with Jerotich scheduled to appear for pre-sentence hearing in the County Court of Victoria in February 2025, remaining on bail with conditions to stay in Victoria and reside at her home address.
Have you or someone you know experienced challenges with maternal mental health? What support services do you think are most important for Australian families? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Original Article
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...-admits-throwing-baby-window-plastic-bag.html
Woman admits throwing baby outside in plastic bag | The Canberra Times | Canberra, ACT
Cited text: She was not required to speak, other than to indicate to magistrate Leon Fluxman that she was pleading guilty to the single offence.
Excerpt: Irine Jerotich, 26, briefly faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday, September 15, pleading guilty to a single charge after an incident where an infant was found with life-threatening injuries outside a Dandenong North home in the…
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/9066250/woman-admits-throwing-baby-outside-in-plastic-bag/
Woman admits throwing baby outside in plastic bag | Dandenong Star Journal
Cited text: Irine Jerotich, 26, briefly faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday 15 September accused of reckless conduct endangering life.
Excerpt: Irine Jerotich, 26, briefly faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday, September 15, pleading guilty to a single charge after an incident where an infant was found with life-threatening injuries outside a Dandenong North home in the…
https://dandenong.starcommunity.com...-admits-throwing-baby-outside-in-plastic-bag/
Postpartum psychosis | COPE
Cited text: Postpartum psychosis, also referred to as postnatal psychosis or puerperal psychosis, is a rare condition affecting 1-2 in every 1000 mums.
Excerpt: Postpartum psychosis affects 1-2 in every 1000 mothers
https://www.cope.org.au/new-parents/postnatal-mental-health-conditions/postpartum-psychosis
Postpartum Psychosis—PMC
Cited text: However, postpartum psychosis can develop rapidly and place the life of mother and infant in danger related to its symptoms which may include delusion...
Excerpt: postpartum psychosis can develop rapidly and place the life of mother and infant in danger related to its symptoms which may include delusions, hallucinations, severe mood symptoms, and cognitive symptoms
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9838449/
Post-partum psychosis | The Royal Women's Hospital
Cited text: It usually comes on in a very quick and spectacular manner within the first few weeks after giving birth, but the onset can be within hours of deliver...
Excerpt: It usually comes on in a very quick and spectacular manner within the first few weeks after giving birth, but the onset can be within hours of delivery
https://www.thewomens.org.au/health...mental-health-pregnancy/post-partum-psychosis
Postpartum psychosis | Pregnancy Birth and Baby
Cited text: The word 'psychosis' refers to a loss of sense of reality.
Excerpt: The word 'psychosis' refers to a loss of sense of reality
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/postpartum-psychosis
Post-partum psychosis | The Royal Women's Hospital
Cited text: Psychosis essentially means a loss of reality.
Excerpt: The word 'psychosis' refers to a loss of sense of reality
https://www.thewomens.org.au/health...mental-health-pregnancy/post-partum-psychosis
Post-partum psychosis | The Royal Women's Hospital
Cited text: It can be extremely scary, especially if you’ve never had it before, because you find it difficult to differentiate between reality and the illness pl...
Excerpt: it can be extremely scary, especially if you've never had it before, because you find it difficult to differentiate between reality and the illness playing tricks on your brain
https://www.thewomens.org.au/health...mental-health-pregnancy/post-partum-psychosis
Postpartum psychosis | COPE
Cited text: · Postpartum psychosis is considered a psychiatric emergency that requires urgent attention and treatment.
Excerpt: considered a psychiatric emergency that requires urgent attention and treatment
https://www.cope.org.au/new-parents/postnatal-mental-health-conditions/postpartum-psychosis
Postpartum psychosis | Pregnancy Birth and Baby
Cited text: Postpartum psychosis needs to be diagnosed by a psychiatrist and treated in hospital.
Excerpt: considered a psychiatric emergency that requires urgent attention and treatment
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/postpartum-psychosis
Up to 1,200 new mums suffer from psychosis each year
Cited text: If left untreated, it can increase the risk of suicide and in rare cases put the baby’s life at risk too.
Excerpt: If left untreated, it can increase the risk of suicide and in rare cases put the baby's life at risk too
https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/news-and-...-200-new-mums-suffer-from-psychosis-each-year
Postpartum psychosis | COPE
Cited text: · Often, because people are not aware of the disorder or what the symptoms are, when the symptoms occur it can be very confusing and alarming for the ...
Excerpt: Often, because people are not aware of the disorder or what the symptoms are, when the symptoms occur it can be very confusing and alarming for the mother and family
https://www.cope.org.au/new-parents/postnatal-mental-health-conditions/postpartum-psychosis
Up to 1,200 new mums suffer from psychosis each year
Cited text: Far fewer know that postpartum psychosis is an illness that even exists and can cause them to develop significant mood swings, delusions and hallucina...
Excerpt: Far fewer know that postpartum psychosis is an illness that even exists and can cause them to develop significant mood swings, delusions and hallucinations meaning they are unable to care for themselves or their child
https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/news-and-...-200-new-mums-suffer-from-psychosis-each-year
Postpartum psychosis | COPE
Cited text: These symptoms typically begin to emerge from within 2 days to two weeks after giving birth. In some cases the symptoms can develop later (up to twelv...
Excerpt: These symptoms typically begin to emerge from within 2 days to two weeks after giving birth.
https://www.cope.org.au/new-parents/postnatal-mental-health-conditions/postpartum-psychosis
Postpartum psychosis | COPE
Cited text: While we don’t really know what causes the condition, we do know that women who have a prior diagnosis of bipolar disorder, or who have experienced th...
Excerpt: women who have a prior diagnosis of bipolar disorder, or who have experienced the condition when having children prior, are at greater risk
https://www.cope.org.au/new-parents/postnatal-mental-health-conditions/postpartum-psychosis
Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression: Mood Disorders and Pregnancy | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Cited text: That number rises to 30 percent in mothers who have bipolar disorder.
Excerpt: That number rises to 30 percent in mothers who have bipolar disorder
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/hea...tum-mood-disorders-what-new-moms-need-to-know
Post-partum psychosis | The Royal Women's Hospital
Cited text: There is also a relationship between post-partum psychosis and bipolar disorder. Women with bipolar disorder are at greatest risk of a relapse with ps...
Excerpt: There is also a relationship between post-partum psychosis and bipolar disorder.
https://www.thewomens.org.au/health...mental-health-pregnancy/post-partum-psychosis
Postpartum psychosis | COPE
Cited text: Some women may however experience the condition with no prior history.
Excerpt: some women may experience the condition with no prior history
https://www.cope.org.au/new-parents/postnatal-mental-health-conditions/postpartum-psychosis
Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression: Mood Disorders and Pregnancy | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Cited text: “Postpartum psychosis can occur in women with no previous history of psychiatric illness,” says Hantsoo.
Excerpt: postpartum psychosis can occur in women with no previous history of psychiatric illness
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/hea...tum-mood-disorders-what-new-moms-need-to-know
Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression: Mood Disorders and Pregnancy | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Cited text: Even in the most severe cases of postpartum psychosis, one recent study showed that 98 percent of patients got better with treatment.
Excerpt: Even in the most severe cases of postpartum psychosis, one recent study showed that 98 percent of patients got better with treatment
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/hea...tum-mood-disorders-what-new-moms-need-to-know
Postpartum psychosis | Pregnancy Birth and Baby
Cited text: When you are first diagnosed with postpartum psychosis, you will need to stay in hospital to ensure your own safety and so that you can be closely mon...
Excerpt: When first diagnosed with postpartum psychosis, women need to stay in hospital to ensure their own safety and so that they can be closely monitored by their medical team.
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/postpartum-psychosis
Postpartum psychosis | COPE
Cited text: Medication is necessary for the treatment and management of postpartum psychosis to address the chemical imbalance that is leading to the range of ext...
Excerpt: Medication is necessary for the treatment and management of postpartum psychosis to address the chemical imbalance that is leading to the range of extreme symptoms that the woman is likely to be experiencing
https://www.cope.org.au/new-parents/postnatal-mental-health-conditions/postpartum-psychosis
PANDA | Support that’s always there, for you and your family
Cited text: PANDA National Helpline (Monday to Saturday) 1300 726 306 ... Everyone’s experience of pregnancy, birth and parenting is unique and brings different r...
Excerpt: PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) supports families across Australia affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood, available on 1300 726 306
Mental health helplines | healthdirect
Cited text: PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) supports families across Australia affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the fir...
Excerpt: PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) supports families across Australia affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood, available on 1300 726 306
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines
Get support—Beyond Blue—Beyond Blue
Cited text: If you’re going through a hard time right now, the Beyond Blue Support Service is available 24/7 for brief counselling. Our counsellors will listen an...
Excerpt: Beyond Blue's Support Service is available 24/7 for brief counselling, with counsellors who will listen and help you find the extra mental health help you need on 1300 22 4636
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support
Mental health crisis support — where to get help | healthdirect
Cited text: If you, or someone you know, is having suicidal thoughts and is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest emergency department...
Excerpt: if someone is having suicidal thoughts and is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest emergency department
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-crisis-support
Post-partum psychosis | The Royal Women's Hospital
Cited text: Depending on how unwell you are, it may be up to your partner or another family member to organise medical help for you. It can be very hard for famil...
Excerpt: It may be up to partners or another family member to organise medical help. It can be very hard for family members to support a woman who has post-partum psychosis because she may resist help or think that people are intending to harm her
https://www.thewomens.org.au/health...mental-health-pregnancy/post-partum-psychosis
Postpartum psychosis | Pregnancy Birth and Baby
Cited text: If you are worried that your partner or loved one is showing signs of postpartum psychosis, it's important to arrange a doctor or mental health profes...
Excerpt: If you're worried that your partner or loved one is showing signs of postpartum psychosis, it's important to arrange a doctor or mental health professional to see them urgently.
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/postpartum-psychosis
Postpartum Psychosis—StatPearls—NCBI Bookshelf
Cited text: It is crucial for the treatment team to be able to understand the magnitude of physical and emotional stress the partner and other family members are ...
Excerpt: Like any other mental illness, postpartum psychosis not only affects the mother and the infant but has an equal impact on families and caregivers
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544304/
Perinatal mental health screening in Australia, What is perinatal mental health? - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Cited text: Mental health conditions are the leading cause of disease burden in Australian women of child-bearing age (15 to 44 years) (AIHW 2022b), with the peri...
Excerpt: Mental health conditions are the leading cause of disease burden in Australian women of child-bearing age (15 to 44 years), with the perinatal period considered to be a time of increased risk
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mot...alia/contents/what-is-perinatal-mental-health
Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders—MGH Center for Women's Mental Health
Cited text: During the postpartum period, about 85 per cent of women experience some type of mood disturbance. For most the symptoms are mild and short-lived; however, 10...
Excerpt: During the postpartum period, about 85 per cent of women experience some type of mood disturbance.
https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/postpartum-psychiatric-disorders-2/
Postpartum psychosis | Pregnancy Birth and Baby
Cited text: After getting the right treatment, people with postpartum psychosis are likely to make a full recovery.
Excerpt: people with postpartum psychosis are likely to make a full recovery after getting the right treatment
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/postpartum-psychosis
Up to 1,200 new mums suffer from psychosis each year
Cited text: New and expectant mothers must be supported to seek professional care if they need it.
Excerpt: New and expectant mothers must be supported to seek professional care if they need it
https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/news-and-...-200-new-mums-suffer-from-psychosis-each-year
Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression: Mood Disorders and Pregnancy | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Cited text: · “We need to break down the stigma of mental illness, especially for new mothers, because it does respond to treatment,” she says.
Excerpt: We need to break down the stigma of mental illness, especially for new mothers, because it does respond to treatment
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/hea...tum-mood-disorders-what-new-moms-need-to-know
Woman admits throwing baby outside in plastic bag | The Canberra Times | Canberra, ACT
Cited text: But charges previously alleged Jerotich placed the baby in a plastic bag and threw the child out the bathroom window onto concrete 'that placed unname...
Excerpt: Jerotich scheduled to appear for pre-sentence hearing in the County Court of Victoria in February 2025, remaining on bail with conditions to stay in Victoria and reside at her home address
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/9066250/woman-admits-throwing-baby-outside-in-plastic-bag/
Baby allegedly bagged and thrown out window | Dandenong Star Journal
Cited text: She remained on bail to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court in February.
Excerpt: Jerotich scheduled to appear for pre-sentence hearing in the County Court of Victoria in February 2025, remaining on bail with conditions to stay in Victoria and reside at her home address
https://dandenong.starcommunity.com.au/news/2024-12-06/baby-allegedly-bagged-and-thrown-out-window/
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