Since I name-changed to reply to another thread, I thought I'd take the opportunity to ask something I've been wondering...
I've seen now a number of threads by depressed women who are scared to talk to their GP or MW about their feelings because they are scared there is a danger of someone taking the baby away.
Is this a real concern? Could this actually happen? I've seen replies that have encouraged the women to get help, and reassure them, but also with things like as long as you don't have a history of self-harm it'll be okay. This worries me, as I do have a history of self-harm.
Since I came over from the States, there aren't any medical records here about my case, but I have dutifully filled in that I was hospitalised for depression (over 15 years ago, now) on the forms that ask for it, and my self-harm scars are apparently obvious to someone who knows what to look for. I think it was my booking-in appointment or the next one where a midwife saw them and asked "You don't do that any more, do you?" and I cheerfully replied "No." I'm guessing this is now stuck in the notes they keep hold of?
I have been concerned about depression, with my history, and DH is primed to pay attention and look for signs. But I must say, it simply NEVER occurred to me that taking a baby away could be a possible reaction to post-natal depression. I was actually given a pair of kittens (I know, nothing like a baby) when I got out of the hospital for depression, as people thought it would be good for me to have something to care for (still have them; and the people who gave them to me knew I'd be a responsible pet-owner, they weren't just handing out kittens like candy...), and they eventually arranged for my dog to come live with me as well. So removal of a baby something even more important to care for! has never been on my radar until I'd seen these posts. Is this actually something to worry about?