Antenatal/postnatal depression
PND? What to do and what to take if trying for baby
StarsforAngels · 11/08/2014 15:22
Hi,
Periods of depression and anxiety have been a part of my life since I was a teenager. I have read various books to try to learn coping strategy and sought counselling in the past.
I was on anti depressants when I became pregnant. The midwife at my booking in appointment told me that 'If I had pyschosis episodes then my baby could be taken from me' (I have never had one of those - just mild-moderate depression and a pretty stressful life!).
I left the appointment terrified and promptly spent the next few months trying to get help as I was terrified my baby would be taken. I decided to stay off meds during pregnancy and instead sought help from a trained counsellor. I was having problems getting a referal in London where we lived so I decided to go private. I have stopped this now - it was pretty pricey as u can imagine!
Anyway after I had my DS I could not cope any longer with the depression so I begged my doctor for antidepressants to help me cope.
We are now trying for baby number 2 and I am terrified to go to the dr despite 'struggling' with depression without meds for the last 6 months.
What my booking midwife said to me when I went for first DS still haunts me to this day and I am terrified to ask for meds as am scared of what the midwives will say/do if and hopefully when I do become pregnant again.
I was honestly made to feel like a 'child' during my pregnancy with 'history of depression' written everywhere with my notes it felt like a label I could not shake - despite being a degree educated woman I felt like I was not taken seriously and it seemed almost like some of the nurses were really patronising.
Has anyone had experience of this and what would they do? Would you seek drug support from the DR even though they were trying for baby?
Did the midwives treat you differently because of depression or did you not tell?
I took paroxetine when breastfeeding - I read it was ok but I got awful side effects coming off it. Feel I really need some mood support.
Would anyone have any recommendations/share stories?
Would really love to hear from anyone who has been in a similar situation
TurquoiseCat · 11/08/2014 15:44
Didn't want to read and run, but don't know how much help I can be...
Before becoming pregnant, I had also suffered from depression, and mental health issues do run deep in my family. I think the 'previous depression' notes should have been to flag possible pre/post natal depression risk, but I understand how this can seem almost threatening if you are suffering with anxiety anyway.
First of all, what the midwife said to you was terrible, and she should never have spoken to someone with anxiety issues in that way. It is true that mothers with post partum depression can be a danger to their own children, but I doubt that you would have had your baby taken away if you have a good support system (baby could have been cared for by your DP whilst you were treated).
Secondly, I was prescribed paroxetine for my post natal depression, and it really is horrible to come off. There has been reports recently about the effects of paroxetine on developing foetuses (1 in 4 have heart problems), so please ask to be prescribed something else if you are trying to conceive (maybe fluoxetine? Same family, but less intense/longer half life so easier to discontinue). You could ask advice on the health boards for any others that i don't have experience with (citropralem?, etc).
Thirdly, please do go to your GP, and ask for a referral to counselling (as well as a suitable ad). It might take a while to get the referral through, but it should be helpful to talk to someone regarding your mental health issues and it may be calming to talk to a professional about the procedures/systems in place for pregnancy and mental health.
Above all, try to keep yourself well and don't stop posting for support and advice as needed.
inthewoods4 · 17/08/2014 15:46
Hi, I'm in the same boat- but after reading loads I'm definitely going to stay on citalopram during another pregnancy (currently trying). I can't believe what that midwife said- honestly take no notice. Pnd is so common, they wouldn't take away your baby. How are you finding being pregnant? I'm finding the trying thing very stressful just because I'm so scared of pnd again! Xx
bebebringingup · 18/08/2014 17:20
Hi, Me too you are not alone. I also suffer from Depression. All my midwife has done is refer me to a specialist obstetrician who has been working with my mental health specialist to balance out my meds. I do have a social worker as I have had self harming thoughts but nobody has ever said that my baby might get taken from me (although its something i still fear).
bebebringingup · 18/08/2014 17:21
what I'm trying to say is that i don't think your midwife should have said that at your booking appointment. Its inappropriate and lots of women have previous Depression.
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