Home birth and antidepressants

[roxyroo]

I was on antidepressants after my daughter was born but came off them when we started TTC number 2, in the past few months I started noticing the same feelings as before so saw my GP and she suggested I went back on them. It was a difficult decision to make but now that I'm back on them she's told me I can't have a home birth! My midwife said she can't see why I can't, but I'm in a pickle now because on one hand my GP isn't a midwife but my midwife isn't a GP so I don't know what to do x

 

[mylullaby]

I don't think anyone can force you into a hospital birth if you don't want one. They can advise you but they cannot force you into anything. It's your body, your choice. If you're unsure about reasons, contact gp again and ask specifically why they advised you not to go ahead with the home birth. It will be just that - advice - and sounds like your mw will be fully supportive if you decide not to take it xxx

 

[Snaveanator]

Can you GPS actually physically try to prevent you having a home birth? No, she can't.

If I were you I'd just go with the home birth. No one can force you to deliver on hospital. Make it clear to your midwife you intent to deliver at home and if she's supportive then just stick with her!

 

[roxyroo]

Thanks for your replies ladies it's just made me worry about the baby as my GP was talking about the risks and how she might have difficulty breathing when's she's born . Scared me a bit. My DD was born in a midwife led unit and my labour was textbook x

 

[littlemonkey]

Personally I would discuss the matter with someone at your MW unit, is there someone like a supervisor of MWs or a consultant they would refer things up to?

I'm only saying that because the doctor has obviously mentioned there are potential side effects and I would want to ensure that these had been fully discussed and taken into consideration by those involved in the birth. It doesn't necessarily have to rule out your planned homebirth, but it's definitely something I would want to make sure everyone knew the facts on before deciding for definite.

 

[Jennyxx]

I suffer with depression and although i'm not taking anti depressants at the moment my midwife has said they will keep a close on me now and after birth to monitor my mental health. I know that in some places hospitals like to keep Mums in hospital for an extra couple of days if they have depression or any other mental health condition, this is to make sure Mum is ok and offer any support before she goes home. Im wondering if this is why they have said no to a home birth? Just a thought

Jenny

xx

 

[Louise2013]

If you take antidepressants during pregnancy there is - according to on publicised research piece - an increased risk (six time increase) of baby developing a condition called persistent pulmonary hypertension when it is born which is a breathing problem. This is what I suspect your doc os referring to. it is still rare, only about 1% of babies are affected but it can be serious, hence the need for precaution - hope that helps xxxx

 

[Emapot1]

Needless to say, from personal experience of risks and percentages and plotting that % on your chart with your babies wellbeing, I would just go have a little chat with the midwife and perhaps get a second opinion for peace of mind. Last this you want is added stress anxiety or worry with the lead up to birth not knowing what's the safest thing for baby. ☺️