What do you think might make a mother decide to put her baby in a lake or river and drown it?

Question

As a topic for discussion, what do you think might make a mother do something like this? The reason I ask is because recently, in an area about an hour from where I live, an infant's body was found in a lake. This is the third instance of this happening in that same area in 8 years. Police are currently investigating, but their leads on the case are limited.
I watched the special report on tv today and they discussed the type of profile that someone who would do this might fit into. Could be any woman of childbearing age, who most likely concealed their pregnancy. They most likely withdrew from school or work in order to hide it. And that's about as specific as the police can get so far. The autopsy results show that the baby was in the water for as long as 6 months at the most, but even that's a pretty general estimate.
As a mom, this strikes me at the heart. What kind of person do you suppose would do something like this, or what kind of situation do you think they were in?

Answer 1

I think having babies and children is very stressful. I'm a mom of 3 under the age of four! If you don't have the support and people loving you and caring for your family anything is possible. We live in such a disconnected society. Young moms are already immature but no one tells them that they are a woman, that they are strong that they can do this - all moms need some assurance but young pregnant women whose families shun them or make them feel guilty - the boy who got them pregnant in the first place turns his back. Then, they have baby - baby has immense needs and completely dependent on mom- but no one has met mom's needs. People ask questions on here all the time where I'm like - get connected with a church or a support group or organization that can help because we all get frustrated. Even if you're a loving mom who wanted her kids and loves them immensely like I am - you have to admit there are days when you get angry about the things that they do. It's easy to lose it - people can get pushed so far in life and they have like a break with reality where they do unbelievable things. When people lose hope - they do the unimaginable. The most important thing I try to do is support my local crisis pregnancy center where they are helping young pregnant moms find diapers, clothes, support and friends. The hard thing is most young women know where the abortion clinic is - and if they are afraid to go - and that's understandable - who wants an abortion and enjoys the aftermath for the rest of their life emotionally and physically? But how many young girls know that there are crisis pregnancy organizations whose mission it is to help them in this time of their greatest need. Some parents turn their backs on their girls - that is the biggest shame of all.

Answer 2

We do not understand the mind and how it works. It could be anyone. It could be your neighbor. Not all women feel that a child is a gift from God. Not all women want children.

I don't understand WHY women in that situation do not get an abortion. Who would not get an abortion instead of going thru a hidden pregnancy and birth? Then doing that to an infant? Maybe that proves she would HAVE to be insane to do all that or she is in total denial that she is pregnant until the baby actually arrives?

There could be so many, many stories of why these type of things happen. It is very sad for all concerned. Evidently the woman didn't feel comfortable carrying the baby and giving it up for adoption. There had to be a reason to conceal it. That tells you it had to be a very young girl. I think if it were an adult woman she could have secured an abortion even if she was married.
Very young, immature girls do these things out of fear.

Answer 3

Mentally ill.