From The Tribune staff reports
HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Hattiesburg Police are investigating after a woman was seen on video hitting a three-week-old infant.
Quentasha Portis, 19, is charged with two counts of felony child abuse – causing bodily harm intentionally, according to the Hattiesburg Patriot News. The newborn and Portis’ two-year-old were turned over to other family members after Child Protective Services were called in.
Portis was booked into the Forrest County Jail. She was given bonds totaling $350,000. A judge also ordered a mental health evaluation.
Relatives of Portis said she was overwhelmed with having a newborn and a two-year-old. She wanted the father to take custody so she sent videos of the abuse to the father. In the videos, Portis was slapping the baby and holding its nose closed as it was sleeping.
Some acquaintances of Portis said she is suffering from postpartum depression. According to the Mayo Clinic, severe cases are sometimes due to postpartum psychosis.
“Postpartum depression isn’t a character flaw or a weakness,” the clinic says. “Sometimes it’s simply a complication of giving birth. If you have postpartum depression, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms and help you bond with your baby.”
Signs and symptoms of postpartum psychosis are:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Obsessive thoughts about your baby
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Sleep disturbances
- Excessive energy and agitation
- Paranoia
- Attempts to harm yourself or your baby
Postpartum psychosis may lead to life-threatening thoughts or behaviors and requires immediate treatment. If you or someone you know is suffering from postpartum depression, contact a health provider for help.