Imagine you are standing near the railing of a seventh-floor balcony with your infant in your arms when a sudden thought crosses your mind: you could drop your baby over the edge. How does that make you feel? What are you likely to do?
Now imagine you see your baby lying on his play mat on the floor, and you have a sudden image of stepping on them on purpose. Are you worried you are unwell? A bad parent or, worse, a dangerous one? This is the experience of many new parents.
