Hi Mumsnet
I’m not sure if I’ve posted this in the correct topic but I’m looking for some advice.
I gave birth to my son in summer 2021 and he is now 20 months. A few weeks after he was born I was diagnosed with Post Partum Psychosis, I was too unwell to be treated at a Mother and Baby Unit so was treated at multiple Psychiatric Units away from my baby.
As I was so unwell and my psychosis revolved around my baby Social Services became involved and ultimately my son’s father was given a Child’s Arrangement Order through the court and Social Services closed their case after a 6 month ‘Child in Need’ case.
The problem I have is my son’s father has been left by the court and Social Services to decide on contact between my son and I. The court order reads “mother must see child no less than once per week”. My son’s father and I do not get on and sometimes he allows me to see my son 4 times per week but if he has fallen out with me he reduces it to once per week for a few hours.
There is absolutely no consistency and I am effectively at his beck and call, he cancels me seeing my son at the drop of a hat, just because he can…
I can’t feasibly take my ex back to court as not enough time has elapsed since my psychosis for a judge to agree to a more 50/50 co-parenting agreement.
I just do not know what to do in the mean time. It is literally ruining my life, he cancels or changes days so I can’t ever plan anything. He constantly tells me I am ‘gravely unwell’ and will never be normal etc. It really brings me down as I’m trying to move on and I’m constantly being told what a bad person I am.
I want to add that prior to post partum psychosis I had never had any input from social services etc. I don’t drink, smoke, take drugs etc. I live in a nice home and have a good family. I was just unlucky!