Preparing for postnatal mental health

[Matilda30]

Morning all, after some advice. I keep getting conflicting advice regarding treating my mental health. I've suffered with anxiety antenatally, I also have OCD. My mw has advised me to start sertraline straight away postnatally but I am reluctant to take anything I don't need as I might be ok. I keep hoping I'll be magically well when the baby's here. Also, my GP this morning rubbished the SSRI idea (take 2 weeks to kick in although I believe I respond really quickly to these) and recommends progesterone pessary for pnd. I have a prescription for both ready anyway. Also, no one can tell me sertraline is safe for breastfeeding, because there just isn't enough research. It is the safest one I believe but GP's handbook says consider discontinuing breastfeeding. Sorry for this long post, I'm just after opinions/others' experiences. Also, was anyone fine postnatally after an overly anxious pregnancy? Thanks

Hi, I'm a foster carer and I have looked after lots of babies whose mum has had serious PMI and I work with specialist Psychiatrists who do prescribe sertraline fairly routinely with no adverse effect, and more importantly, very positive effects. PND can seriously affect babies - I don't say this to make you feel bad at all, but while Boone can give you a promise that medication won't affect your baby, you really need to think of the whole picture, and how much more you might enjoy your baby if you normally respond well to the medication - enjoying your baby will be a really positive thing for its development.

However, if you don't want to take medication, there are lots of positive ways of improving your mental health - exercise, fresh air, counselling etc - make sure you are doing some of the positive things that help you so you can have the best experience possible.
Good luck!

Op that is very interesting about the progesterone peasary.

I think it's absolutely great that they are looking at treating the hormonal wreckage that can result after childbirth rather than throwing anti depressants at the situation!

After all my dc the first week I was on such a massive high, thanks to whatever was going on with my hormones but then it just went wrong and I knew it was hormonal every time.

I do suffer pmdd though so it was not a surprise.

You will soon learn when it comes to having a baby the professionals will confuse the life out of you due to their differing opinion on what's right/best/safe for you and baby. Throw Google or mumsnet into the mix and that's it your head will be hurting