When it comes to shedding light on the realities of maternal mental health, Law & Order is not typically the first place we turn. But in a powerful move toward destigmatizing perinatal mental illness, NBC’s long-running legal drama tackled the complex condition of postpartum psychosis in its recent episode, A Perfect Family, and The Motherhood Center’s own Dr. Catherine Birndorf played a vital role in shaping the story.
As Co-Founder, CEO, and Medical Director of The Motherhood Center, Dr. Birndorf has spent her career at the forefront of reproductive psychiatry. In a recent interview with Showrunner and Executive Producer Rick Eid, she shared how her friendship with Eid led to an impromptu dinner conversation that ultimately became a national broadcast watched by millions. Her goal? To ensure the character of Melinda — a mother struggling with postpartum psychosis — was portrayed not as evil, but as unwell and deserving of compassion, care, and treatment.
Postpartum Psychosis: Illness, Not Evil
Postpartum psychosis is an uncommon, severe perinatal mental illness affecting 1 to 2 in every 1,000 births. It often includes hallucinations, delusions, paranoia – a loss of touch with reality — and it is a psychiatric emergency requiring immediate intervention. Despite its severity, it is both treatable and recoverable, especially when identified early.
As Dr. Birndorf emphasized in her work on the episode, the story’s power lay in what could have been avoided. “The difference between getting treatment and not getting treatment can be so severe,” she shared. “If Melinda had just gotten treatment, this tragedy could have been prevented.”
Changing the Narrative Around PMADs
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), which include perinatal depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and postpartum psychosis, affect up to 1 in 5 mothers/birthing people. Yet, stigma and shame too often keep people from seeking help. This is especially true when society continues to push a singular, blissful narrative of motherhood that leaves no room for ambivalence, exhaustion, or emotional struggle.
With this episode, Dr. Birndorf and the Law & Order team took a bold step toward shifting that narrative. They created space for viewers to understand what postpartum psychosis really looks like — not a monster, but a mother in crisis.
From Script to Set: A Personal Milestone
Dr. Birndorf described her time on set as a career highlight; not only because it was fun, but because it felt meaningful. She worked closely with the writers and cast, including actor Allison Miller, who played Melinda, to ensure an authentic and respectful portrayal. “Helping to shape this episode…has been a true highlight of my medical career,” she said.
Why This Episode Matters
At The Motherhood Center, we believe that maternal mental health should be part of the cultural conversation. When a show like Law & Order brings PMADs into the spotlight, it can help reduce stigma, increase awareness, and inspire more mothers/birthing people and their families to seek support.
As Dr. Birndorf shared, “If we stop insisting that becoming a mother is easy, we can start talking about the hard parts and recognize these disorders that are very treatable.”
Learn More and Get Support
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a PMAD, The Motherhood Center offers multiple levels of care, including:
• The Perinatal Day Program – for moderate to severe symptoms
• Outpatient therapy and medication management
• Virtual support groups for new and expecting mothers/birthing people
Watch “A Perfect Family” on Law & Order, now streaming on Peacock.
For more information on postpartum psychosis, visit Postpartum Support International.
Resources
• The Motherhood Center of New York: 212-335-0034
• Postpartum Support International
• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
The Motherhood Center of New York: With treatment, everyone can feel better. You are not alone.
Complete a new patient form to learn more about our treatment services. P: (212) 335-0034