Unknown

[NannyTutorAtLarge]

It's very early days but I've just discovered I'm pregnant with my first baby. Hooray! Very happy, but have a few misgivings around the birth and was hoping to get some insight from you lovely lot.

Basically I'm bipolar, so my history is littered with episodes of severe depression and psychosis. Been stable for the last year as a result of finally seeking help, getting the right drugs, giving up the booze and exercising. Best decision I ever made - have been able to retrain in a career I've always aspired to and will allow us to travel (something my partner and I always wanted to do with a young'un). I've been able to write again, which had totally fallen by the wayside, and my relationship has also benefitted no end.

Clearly what I absolutely do not want to do is put all the above in jeopardy. I get incredibly anxious thinking about a vaginal birth and am also obviously a prime candidate for post natal depression. So I would like an elective caeserian. I've read about so many different experiences securing this and was wondering if anyone who'd been in a similar situation might be able to offer advice re: talking/persuading midwives/consultants to agree to one.

Many thanks in advance!

Just typed a big reply and my computer lost it grrrr.

I suffer from depression, have done for years. I have 2 DS one is 7 and DS2 is 16 weeks. My first pregnancy I didnt get any help or support, my partner left me pretty much as soon as DS1 was born, I had problems feeding him cos he was lactose intolerant and needless to say I ended up with severe post natal dep. This pregnancy and weeks following birth have been so much better. Lots of support from mental health team and health visitors. Really has made a big difference.

My advice to you would be get your mental health team / GP on board now. Let them know you are worried about birth and ask them to put pressure on the hospital to let u have elcs. It cant hurt your chances.

If you can get a mental health worker assigned to u to monitor u throughout pregnancy and the weeks following birth, I personally found this a big help. Just having someone impartial to off load all my crap onto.

Are u sure u want elcs? I am assuming u are, however I went to NCT classes this time around as DS2 is my partners first child and even though I had been through labour, I found there was loads I didn't know and it really helped me feel prepared and calmer about labour. It may be worthwhile having as much info as poss to enable you to feel calmer. I know this doesn't work for everyone though.

I ended up having a emergency section so I need not have bothered in the end! lol.

Oh and massive congratulations xxx

congrats!

I am bipolar as well. My gp referred me straight away to mental health team of antenatal clinic, because of my bipolar disorder. I had been stable for three years but deveped antenatal depression.
I met nurses and psychiatrist regularly during my pregnancy. I made the birth plan with them. I did not want elsc, but i think they will listen what you want.

So far after birth I have been okish. No depression but some anxciety.

Hello - congrats, and well done on dealing with your BP:)

I USED to suffer with depression years ago. When I was P with DD who is now 2, I got anti natal depression (AND) from day one and turned into a different person, I was so worried about the birth and post natal depression (which i never got). As it turned out, I got to 42 weeks and was so desperate to get her out, it blocked out any other thoughts I may have. I was determined not to have a CS, as the recovery would have done my bloody head in - I wanted to be pain free asap, and saw a VB as the way to go for me. All was ok, induced with an epidural for the discomfort.

After her birth, I had my low days - as does any mother, but they were few and far between. With pregnancy 2, I got AND again, but was determined to go the totally natural route, with no drugs. I read a Hypnobirthing book, purely for the positive outlook on birth - I would really recommend this, whether you have cs or vb as it really is positive, and makes you think you can do it:0) There are some great breathing exercises in it - I felt great after reading it. I also downloaded some relaxation music - BTW, I am the MOST unhippy, unrelaxed person, and all my friends were laughing at my new mother earth attitude with my aromotherapy oils and music:)

I also had lots of refelxology in the 4 weeks up to the birth to stimulate the muscles needed in preparation - basically, I spoilt myself in the run up, and I felt soooo much better than the first time I did it.

Now, I'm not meaning to brag, and it was my 2nd so things were a bit used to doing it, but from 1st contraction to DS being out was 1.5hrs, the pain was totally managable, but the best bit was afterwrds - the high was great, i felt very overwhelmed:) I'm saying this as it's sad that women get terrified of something natural. I'm not anti CS, but I feel some girls are so scared when perhaps they shouldn't be. There are too many horror stories.

Do whatever you feel is best for you, but I would recommend the hypnobirthing books as they may relax you. As for PND, keep talking, don't get isolated, and remember there are always those to help IFFF you need it. YOu may very well find you don't, but it's good that you are prepared. As others have said, keep your GP, mental health team posted and have plan. Try not to get stressed about being P, it's life changing, but great:)

And now for something abit TMI - if you consider a VB, try perinneal massage!! This will truly make you embrace the magic of pregnancy:) Joking there, but it does help.

On that note, good luck and enjoy x