Worried about PND

[mum2b410]

I have a history of anxiety and depression and am concerned about developing PND.....been feeling particularly down and emotional the last few days (could b hormones I know but it's worrying me). Really don't want to let LO or OH down by getting in a state when I'm meant to be looking after my baby!

Has anyone had PND or has any advice on the best way to avoid it?

xxx

 

[Geminiblue]

hey lovey I completely understand. WIth my little boy I was borderline but I know what it was that was driving it. SLEEP DEPRIVATION.... but remember its like catching a cold for want of a better analogy,you can look after yourself as much as possible but its important not to hide the symptoms or pretend its not happening. As soon as you feel off key keep it monitored and speak to your oh and family about it. Get as much help as you can get as much sleep as you can. Try not to do too much too soon and remember that you would have been through a great deal. Honesty and acceptance.... I find that helps and I think thats why I didnt fall over the edge into PND I slept when and wherever I could. I was found asleep in my car with my LO with the doors locked oustside my house because he was sleeping and I didnt want to wake him. I pulled into Halfords car park to get some sleep with him in the car. This doesnt happen to everyone but my little one didnt sleep that well initially. My OH was home as much as possible and took over so I could sleep.

Massive hug x

 

[nikki8092]

Hi hun i had it with my 2nd baby and have been told by MW im at high risk after this pregnancy but Gemini is right about sleep deprivation driving it hun. Best to sleep whenever baby does, was harder for me as i already had a 2 year old when my son was born but my OH helped loads. Make sure you get plenty of fresh air and exercise too as this helps too. Sending love and hugs xx

 

[lewisca]

I had PND after my first and worried bout it happening again with Kian and its playing on my mind this time too. Like Geminiblue says just look after yourself and keep eyes open if u start spotting the signs seek help sure u will b fine hun and we will all still b here if u need to vent anything. xxxxxxxx

 

[mum2b410]

Thank u ladies! I'm crying having just read your posts! (so emotional atm!) I think it's coz I know how bad I can feel and really don't wanna go back there! Kindof feel like it's inevitable but I've got to try and be more positive. It's been put down as a risk factor on my notes and I am to be referred to specialist if I need to, but not really been talked about at all the whole pregnancy and it's difficult when u see different MW's all the time!......Am seeing my own MW next week (if LO not here) maybe I should just tell her my concerns, then at least she is aware and they can keep a eye on me more after? xx

 

[AugustMum]

I can only echo what the other girls have already said really. I had PND with my little girl and didn't ask for any help until she was 10 months old and I regret that the most. Just keep talking to family and friends about how your feeling. Anything. Even little things that you might not think are worth telling somebody one day, just say it anyway Stuff you may think that your too embarressed to say, just say it. Youll be overwhelmed how much support people can be. As the others have said just dont keep yourself in the house too much because it can almost turn into a prison without realising it and its so easy to do with a newborn. Hopefully all will be fine but if not, there is always someone ready to help, whether on here or a family or friend. My HV was a god send to me. x

 

[lewisca]

Thank u both! I'm crying having just read your posts! (so emotional atm!) I think it's coz I know how bad I can feel and really don't wanna go back there! Kindof feel like it's inevitable but I've got to try and be more positive. It's been put down as a risk factor on my notes and I am to be referred to specialist if I need to, but not really been talked about at all the whole pregnancy and it's difficult when u see different MW's all the time!......Am seeing my own MW next week (if LO not here) maybe I should just tell her my concerns, then at least she is aware and they can keep a eye on me more after? xx

I felt exactly like u do now with my second it has been down as a risk on my notes too and not much really said !!! being realistic bout the things u can get done and what u expect bout the first few months really help !!! and asking for help too !! you r not expected to b superwomen !!! hope your mw can help put your mind at rest hun xxx

 

[mum2b410]

I am gonna be careful to not get stuck in the house too much.....gonna be hard if I have a c-section and therefore can't drive for 6 weeks, but will def try and go out for walks locally and hopefully my family and friends will help too. I know that I am a perfectionist and will want to do everything myself and perfectly the first time but it's just not realistic.....got to learn to accept help and that it's ok to get things wrong.

Did u end up on medication AugustMum? xx

 

[lewisca]

If it helps think things have changed bout driving after c section think u can now drive once u can comfortable do an emergency stop. I ended up on meds and its not the end of the world had a good cpn too xxx

 

[mum2b410]

If it helps think things have changed bout driving after c section think u can now drive once u can comfortable do an emergency stop. I ended up on meds and its not the end of the world had a good cpn too xxx

That's good to know, thanks xx

 

[AugustMum]

I ended up with a section and I think that just made matters worse as I had post-traumatic stress as well. But I was doing my final year of uni and a single mum so tbh, it's no wonder I had it lol. No I refused medication. It was offered to me several times but my HV came round every 2 weeks for 3 months and just talked to me and reassured me I was doing a perfect job and gave me ideas to get me out the house etc. Just making sure I got out the house once a day, even in the garden, and letting myself have some 'me' time was a massive help. I think if I had been honest with people I know from the start that I needed more help and I wasn't coping then I wouldn't have gone so long before speaking up. If you can find a decent HV (there will be several in your area) and just explain your worries once your LO is here then they'll come out to you more and just make sure everything is ok. Theyre trained to spot the signs and will be really understanding.

 

[Geminiblue]

I didnt know that about having a c section and driving....thats been my fear this time. I had a c section the first time and could only get my LO out to walk in the first 6 weeks and felt isolated that made things worse for me. Now this time with a 2 yr old and not being able to get out if I end up having a c section is really scaring me and thats what Im worried about pushing me over the edge. Its good to read these posts, thanks for starting the thread hun, I feel a bit more reassured too xxx

 

[mum2b410]

I didnt know that about having a c section and driving....thats been my fear this time. I had a c section the first time and could only get my LO out to walk in the first 6 weeks and felt isolated that made things worse for me. Now this time with a 2 yr old and not being able to get out if I end up having a c section is really scaring me and thats what Im worried about pushing me over the edge. Its good to read these posts, thanks for starting the thread hun, I feel a bit more reassured too xxx

Glad u r finding it helpful too hun! Sometimes feel nervous about posting things incase noone replies or people think I'm silly but I don't know y I worry becoz everyone is always so nice and reassuring!

It must be hard for u with a 2 year old......will keep my fx that u get a normal delivery this time round hun xxx

 

[mum2b410]

I ended up with a section and I think that just made matters worse as I had post-traumatic stress as well. But I was doing my final year of uni and a single mum so tbh, it's no wonder I had it lol. No I refused medication. It was offered to me several times but my HV came round every 2 weeks for 3 months and just talked to me and reassured me I was doing a perfect job and gave me ideas to get me out the house etc. Just making sure I got out the house once a day, even in the garden, and letting myself have some 'me' time was a massive help. I think if I had been honest with people I know from the start that I needed more help and I wasn't coping then I wouldn't have gone so long before speaking up. If you can find a decent HV (there will be several in your area) and just explain your worries once your LO is here then they'll come out to you more and just make sure everything is ok. Theyre trained to spot the signs and will be really understanding.

I have been on meds before and not sure how much help they were but I guess I would try again if they were suggested.

Thank u for your advice and suggestions, I think u r right and nipping it in the bud rather than letting it fester is the key thing. I think I need to tell myself that I am not gonna get it all exactly right first time and that it is gonna be hard but that that's OK and it will get better in time xx

 

[PinkPunch]

I had anxiety and depression when I was 7 months pregnant (took panic attacks all the time, developed a sickness fear) but didnt get help until he was about 4 months old. It was an awful time of my life but as soon as the tablets kicked in I felt a massive difference don't be scared of it because there's so much help and it's very common so see how you get on but see someone as soon as you think you are feeling anxious and you'll be sorted alot sooner.

 

[mum2b410]

Thanks PinkPunch.......good to hear that meds can make a real difference. Hope u are in happier times now xx