PND Planning another baby & worried...

[swampmonster]

Hi Everyone,

I am trying to plan a bit ahead and be prepared in every which way for baby number 4.I have 3 children at ATM, ages 2 4 & 6 and cant wait to have number 4 to complete the family.I am a bit anxious, not about pregnancy but afterwards with 3 small ones already.
How do you know if you had PND or you were just tired etc??stressed.I feel as if I may have had pND with my 3rd now I look back I am unsure,my circumstances at the time were tough I had loads going on at home,financially & also in my relationship,all of these issues have been resolved and I feel it was the stress of all of these things combined pushed me a little too far.Especially with no sleep to focus you.
Through this experience I have learnt to stay calm, relaxed,say NO to people who give extra work, ask for help when needed & not be super woman!Also to rest in between the madness so I can no longer tell wether it was just my manic approach to life in the past that made me feel that way.I have grown slightly older & wiser & learnt (Lots).
Does anyone know how you know if you have PND or were just a bit pissed off & under pressure.......my history is that with my first 2 children no PND at all & I haven't been treated for any mental health issues ever in the past please let me know as I do't want to spoil our currently happy existence but we would love another baby.I don't know what's more important ATM.sorry it's long.

Hi

I haven't had PND but was diagnosed with ante-natal depression with dc2. I have a history of clinical depression and so far at 26 weeks I have had no depression at all. I too had a difficult time during my last pregnancy and this time I have a loving dh and a supportive family.

I believe that every pregnancy and child is different and the more support you have around you, the easier you will find it to cope.

I hope someone with PND comes along to help further but good luck x

Wow you are considering your fourth!!

I am just at the stage of thinking about a second baby. My DD is 2 and 7months. Loads of people keep saying "so, are you having another then". And my DD is soooo into babies - she takes her dolly everywhere and people say she is trying to drop hints!!

It is a real concern re the PND though, which is why I've been putting it off for a while. I had it very severely and was hospitalised for nearly 3 months. It was the worst experience of my life. I am still weaning myself of medication 2 years on.

I think with 4 very young children, yes you are at risk. You would have a lot of demands on you. However, it doesn't mean you shouldn't have another, or that you won't cope. Plenty of people do cope with 4 - or even more!!

I think you need to have good support networks in place - other mummy friends who could look after your other children occasionally, a supportive DH, maybe family that could help out. Also you need to jump on any symptoms of PND early and get treatment to stop it escalating. Warning signs are:

• sleeping problems (insomnia, or excess sleeping more than 9-10hrs a night)
• poor concentration
• anxiety
• constantly feeling sad or "down"
• irritability
• crying
• disinterest in the baby
• lack of feelings of pleasure
• not enjoying things you once used to, or losing your sense of humour

Other symptoms can also include agitation or even rage.

It is possible to have mild PND and get better without any help (usually by the time your baby is a year old) but you and the rest of your family may suffer unneccesarily.

Hopefully all will go well with you. Enjoy your family

There are degrees of postnatal depression. Postnatal depression can either be very mild or be full blast serious mental illness.

I think the important thing is to make your health visitor aware. You can ask her to screen you for postnatal depression at 6 weeks and 6 months. You can reduce the chances of developing postnatal depression by giving birth in the spring.

Other symptoms can include change in apperite. Many women either comfort eat or become very skinny.

Thank you reallytired and others, if you do have it is there anything you can do to get rid of it and treat it sooner rather than later.I will mention to health visitors,I know them very well.