Second time round

[MrsCobes44]

Hi everyone

I have a DS who is 2.6 yrs old and I am in the very early stages of pregnancy with baby no 2. I/ my husband are delighted to be expecting baby no 2. Although I am slightly anxious as I had a really hard time when DS was born. It was a very traumatic birth and then DS had reflux and was very unsettled and cried alot for pretty much the first 6 months- so it was no surprise really that I suffered from PND!

I was just wondering really, if anyone else first time round had PND and second time round did you feel any different? Do you know if you are more likely to suffer PND second time round if you had it first time round? As I really want to enjoy the baby stage as I look back now when DS was a baby and feel guilty that I didn't enjoy those first few months.

Any comments would be appreciated.

I had PND with my first, but not with my 2nd (currently 5 months). For my 1st I was away from family, didn't have a lot of support, found it difficult to adjust to the new roles and had some difficulties with the birth. With the 2nd I had more support, knew the warning signs and was quite open with everyone about my history so we were all looking out for it, talking about it. I think that I came close but averted it by asking for help & company when I needed it.
Also, as a 2nd time mother and already a SAHM before I got pregnant, I'd already made quite a lot of adjustment and had different expectations of who I was, what it would be like etc. This time around feels different but more because it's busier, time goes fast and the baby stage feels like it's whizzing by. Please don't feel guilty about what happened the first time, no one asks to get PND, it's not your fault. Just be open, talk about what you think contributed to it last time and try to ensure you've got plenty of support and people looking out for you this time around. You may avoid it this time, you may not, but if you recognise it and act quickly, chances are if you do get it again and can get on top of it early, it won't be as bad. Congratulations!

Will be watching this thread as am wondering the same! DS 22m, currently 37wks pg. Am absolutely terrified of getting PND again, and like yours MrsCobes DS was a very difficult baby - spent most of his time awake screaming. And slept very little indeed!

Best of luck to you!