Had puerpural psychosis with DD1 now expecting no 2...anyone have experience

[izzybizzybuzzybees]

Just as thread title say really.

I am very early pregnancy with baby number 2. I had bad puerpural psychosis with my daughter and was admitted to a mother and baby unit for a month following her birth.

Has anyone had this and gone on to have another child?

Hi. No I have not any personal experience but a friend, a midwife did this. She was extremely ill first thing round and was admitted without her baby ( I am guessing you will know how unusual that is). Everyone including her was terrified, literally, for her second time but she was fine. She was so relieved not to feel bad she was the happiest new mum ever. Sailed through lack of sleep, a newborn with colic and a tantruming toddler. Third time round she had some antenatal and postnatal depression needing treatment. But NOT psychosis.

Everyone is different, you know that and know to be alert and gentle. With yourself. But for my midwife friend, second time round, she had a ball. I would say don't worry but that would be stupid. I hope her story helps you feel a little hopeful all will be well though.

And...congratulations!!!!!

Thanks poohbear. Did your friend take medication to prevent it happening in her subsequent pregnancy?

No. But I am pretty positive having had such a horrible illness that if she had been advised to take Meds she would have done. Especially as she was worried about potential affects of psychosis in her then toddler.

What have the drs recommended for you?

My consultant has said i will need to start taking the anti psychotic medication the minute the baby is born to prevent it happening again.

Go for it then. Remember my friend now has three. It was a few years ago and if evidence supports taking Meds now take anything that offers a greater chance of a happy time. X

Thanks for telling me her story x

I'd definitely go with taking the meds. I had a few problems with dc 1 and 2 but after my 3rd I felt fine at first and got a bit complacent. Unfortunately I then ended up very ill and was admitted to hospital without dd after a period of psychosis.

Work with the doctors and you'll be fine. And take good care of yourself.

I had pnd with first and second, nothing with third, puerperal psychosis with fourth admitted without baby and so was terrified with fifth. Took first medication on delivery suite as dd was born and actually had no depression even. I was over the moon and have treasured every moment of dd.I would definitely take the meds asap, only consequence would be no breast feeding but for me I was never going to anyway.

Not quite the same but I had bad PND after the birth of DC1.
I was suicidal, having obsessional thoughts and paranoid. Took about 2 years to gain equilibrium again.

When pg with DC2 (after 11 years) I was terrified. Sought help from midwife/GP/CPN. Had support during pregnancy and started Prozac immediately after birth. Felt fantastic - in fact one of the happiest times of my life

Then became pg with DC3 a year later. Was a bit complacent. Moved house the day before giving birth. Presumed I would be fine but had a bit of a breakdown on day 10, very shaky, paranoid, having panic attacks. Got help and improved quickly.

I think being proactive helps. I told everyone I knew the 2nd time to 'watch' me. People were kind and patient.

I bet you are scared but fingers crossed you will be fine. If you aren't fine at least everyone around you are ready and this will make your recovery quick.

Good luck X

Thank you for the replies.

I do want to breastfeed and did with dd although I stopped at 8weeks as I was worried about meds and not in right frame of mind to investigate. I've since contacted the BFN and they have said that its safe so that is good to know in advance.

I gained 4 stone while taking the medication last time and am in process of trying to lose it so id hate to put it in again. I guess ny health is more important as I can always lose the weight again.

It's hard!

I totally understand about weight gain :( but still would prioritise a happy healthy babe and mother. I so hope you can enjoy all this a little. I would give my right arm for babies, toddlers and young children again.