Breastfeeding with 2nd lo and previous Post Natal Depression - please help...

[GreenFingeredMummy]

Hi

Im about to have my second child in 4 weeks and am struggling with the decision of whether to breast or bottle feed.

My problem is that I suffered PND with my dd (whos nearly 2) and as a consequence I stopped bf her after 5-6 weeks as I couldnt cope with the demand it placed on me and my feelings of doing it all wrong.

I had intended on ff my new baby - therefore ruling out the chance of a repeat performance, and being able to hand the baby over to my dh when it was all too much. However, since attending an NCT bf class and watching various vids on the net Im feeling more inclined to give bf another go.

What Id love to know is are there any other mums in a similar situation? Did you have PND then go on to successfully bf your future lo's. Im hoping that by taking advantage of all the support out there and the NCT counsellor I will do better, but Im scared that Im setting myself an unachievable goal.

Please help put my mind at rest.

Hi I breastfed my first child and suffered from PND. I hated every minute of it and stopped at 4 months. When I had my DS 3 yrs later I tried to keep an open mind about it. I felt completely differently and fed him until he was 10 months old (and enjoyed it!!).

I didn't suffer from PND the second time. I'm now expecting my 3rd baby and hoping I'll be okay this time.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do. I never had any set idea in my head about whether I would BF second time round, I think I just took it one day at a time. I think the causes of PND can be so complex that it's difficult to know how you will be this time.

As nowtygaffer says, good luck with whatever you decide to do. One question I'd like to ask- what kind of support do you think you'll have in the first few weeks after the birth of the baby? Are any family members willing to come & help for a bit? Is your DH going to have some extended time off? Any other possibilities of help (e.g. doula / babysitter for older child / willing friends)? If you have a good support system going then I believe it's very possible to give bf a go, and if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. Even without a great support system it might turn out that bf is an easier experience with your second LO & it actually helps you feel better. Whichever way you decide to go, please look after yourself as much as you can Good luck!!

Thanks for your replies. Im hoping that dh will be off for at least 3 weeks, all being well so between him and my mum, Im hoping that dd will be taken care off and that I can make the most of the first few weeks with the new baby.
Its good to hear the PND doesnt always return and that I might have a better experience second time round. Thanks for that.