Preventing post natal depression

[Abs8]

About to try for baby number two after a lot of agonising over whether to have more children or not. I suffered from PND after my first and absolutely to do not want to go through that again, it was the worst thing I've experienced and I'm scared that I wouldn't survive it again.

I'm trying to put as many plans in place as possible to ensure things are easier if I do get pregnant and have a second child. So far they include:

• formula feeding from day one
• living closer to my parents
• hire a nanny/doula for a few days a week
• tell visitors and other family members to back off and let me find my feet for the first few weeks
• sleep train as soon as possible if needed

Has anyone had PND with their first baby but not others?

Am I being naive in thinking I can prevent getting PND?

Were you on antidepressants with your first PND? If so going back on a low dose either during pregnancy or in the immediate post natal period can help to prevent another PND

Make sure you ask for a perinatal referral at your booking appointment. My midwife offered to refer me after i also had PND with DD1 and i said i was happy to wait, but by the time i felt like i might need some help, i then got stuck waiting in the system and other third trimester issues (preeclampsia) meant that i never chased it up. I'm coming up to 12 weeks post partum, and wish i had made use of some of the antenatal support.

I really struggled with my first in 2020 (due to lockdown) and I am now pregnant with my second. I think social isolation can really trigger low mood so I will be trying to see people everyday. I will also try and do exercise daily (even just a gentle walk) and try and get outside in nature (not sure if this is possible where you live). Good luck I hope things are better for you this time.

Thank you for taking the time to respond, this is all really helpful

@tumtitum I didn't take antidepressants last time, but I think I could be persuaded to if I needed them again

@ProjectKettle that's a good tip thank you, I probably would've done the same as you and just said I'll ask for support if I need it, but I'll be sure to ask for the referral anyway

@Pickledprawn I'm sorry you went through this too, I had my first in 2020 during lockdown too which I definitely think made things worse. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy I hope your experience is different this time x

Second the tip on perinatal referral. If you are well, it will likely be a one off appointment but they can give you tips on how to prevent and when to consider medication if it is something you are open to

Me 🙌🏻 I had PND for over a year with my first but not my second. We put things in place in anticipation but ultimately I put it down to feeling more ready, more experienced, less shocked by the transition from 0-1 child than 1-2. You're already far more prepared this time than you realise.

DH arranged in advance to take a full month off work immediately post birth (paternity leave plus annual leave).

I was referred to the perinatal mental health midwife which was just two appointments in the end (during pregnancy and post natal) but she was amazing, so passionate and kind, so definitely get that sorted if you can as a safety net.

I'm another PND sufferer in 2020. I just had my second baby (a triple rainbow) in May and am pleased to report no PND this time around.

Things that helped:

May baby versus November baby (improved weather and daylight!)

Being under the care of the perinatal mental health team. My midwife referred me due to history of PND and miscarriages.

My mum stayed for two weeks to help.