To want some reassurance please.

[Mylittlepuds]

I have just found out I'm pregnant. Early days yet. A complete COMPLETE surprise. Not planned but happy. By the time the new baby arrives (if nothing goes wrong) DS will be just turned 2. I had horrendous PND with DS and only really just getting over the last of it. Mostly anxiety. Lots of dealings with mental health teams, counselling etc but mainly it's just time that's put me right.

Even though we're delighted I am cautious. I have barely coped with DS in terms of my mental health - and have found having a baby very difficult too. So how the hell am I going to cope with two?! And what if my PND returns?! There's just no way I'll manage.

I'd really, really appreciate any positive stories of women who've been in a similar situation. Thanks in advance.

hi there
I just want to offer you some reassurance if that's ok. I had terrible pnd after my first baby & had to have counselling (I had a traumatic birth) & eventually i went on prozac. I found everything so hard with my son & was a nervous wreak just bathing or changing him. Anyway I planned my daughter whilst on my prozac high thinking everything was wonderful lol. My eldest had just turned two when she was born and although I struggled with lack of sleep and what I would consider normal stuff (demands of toddler and new born etc) I never got pnd back. I weaned myself off prozac whilst pregnant & have never looked back.
I am sure in your case (as was in mine) the gp, health visitor and midwife will be looking out for symptoms of pnd & you and your partner will also be up on the signs. Please don't stress and relax because every pregnancy/birth/after effects are different.
hugs xx

Aww thanks you Bees. Ha! Had to laugh about you planning a baby whilst being high off Prozac - when you've been through PND I thin that's what it would take to 'plan' another child. Funny how life sometimes decides for you!

I felt like I could run a marathon or pass a phd while on prozac haha. Honest you will be fine just stay positive and all the best for the second! I have a third on the way (I am 33 weeks) & it was a little bit of a whoopsie :)
I guess everything happens for a reason xx

Thanks Bees that's lovely :)

Hi Congratulations.. I had panic attacks while I was pegnant then pnd after the birth. I got pregnant a few months ago and have been fine. Just remember you know what to expect , you've done it all before.

So please try to enjoy your pregnancy .xx

I had horrific Pnd after my first. I had extreme anxiety in my pregnancy with dc2 (but due to dc1 being a very poorly neonate and several miscarriages so good reason). After he was born though, I was fine! No sign if the debilitating pnd I had after dd. Of course two children present more logistical difficulties than one, and it's a juggling act sometimes, but I love having two, and I love watching them together, like the other day when they decided to hold hands in the back of the car. Aaawwwwww.

Insist you have a care plan in place while you are pregnant - because you have already had PND it will be on your notes and people will be looking out for it (hopefully!)

It doesn't follow that you will definitely get it again.

Congrats :)

Welsh - the holding hands thing sprung tears to my eyes! I am going to really look after myself too - diet and exercise - in the hope it'll help. Thanks for the other reassurances too :) it's all helping me to feel more positive. :)

Oh God...Smiley overload - sorry.