If you had PND with first baby is it inevitable with second?

[abracadabra]

Hi, not sure if I'm posting in the right place - I'm not depressed at the moment but had PND after DD was born - she is now 10 mths. I have suffered from depression on and off for many years and am on antidepressants long term, so it wasnt a huge surprise. At a follow up appointment with my psychiatrist (who I reckon is pretty good as psychiatrists go) I mentioned that we were thinking of trying for another baby. he basically warned me off, saying 'do you really want to put yourself through that again?'. I know what he's saying - I'm scared stiff of going through it again - but I would so love another baby. What are people's experiences - do I just have to resign myself to going through it again?

[amateurmum]

Had severe PND with second baby and mild PND with third.

Think I was more able to recognise the signs with third baby, sought help much more quickly and felt less guilty about situation.

I don't agree with your psychiatrist at all. PND is DREADFUL - the worst time in my life BUT the fear of it would not stop me having another baby if I wanted one ... the depression will lift but having a child is a whole life decision.

[MrsJohnCusack]

I had PND with my first 2 years ago, left it too long to get help and ended up in a bit of a state
had my 2nd 4 weeks ago and although it's a bit of a struggle, I am so alert for signs of PND, and I think that is helping. I've worked out what my triggers are and so am working on lots of strategies to avoid getting so bad this time. Even if it does end up coming back, at least I'm on to it that much quicker and so feel confident of getting through it. Knowing it may well happen again does mean you can plan ahead to tackle it too.
I don't think it's inevitable though. and I wouldn't let it stop me having another baby - NOT having at least no2 would probably have caused me depression further down the line IYSWIM!

[lulumama]

had such bad PND first time, there is almost 6 yers between by DCs....and not an ounce of depression second time

i knew i would be depressed if we had no more children, whereas there was a chance of being depressed with having another child

so once i got pregnant, went to docs at 6 weeks, said i was pregnant and could they please look after me and keep a close eye, and be proactive...which they were, and my HV was involved too and very helpful..and never had any problems

my PND was triggered by having an emergency c.s , and i was not diagnosed until he was 18 months old, so far too long, ( had different doctor then )

this time, i did all could to ensure the delivery was more positive, and achieved what i wanted , which made a difference

i suppose i was lucky i could pinpoint what started it all, and work to address it second time

and with all due respect to your psych, not his decision if you have another baby, and you will be much more aware this time of things being bad again, as will your DH...


if you do have PND again, your Doc, HV and psych will all be on notice, and ready to jump in and help....