I went for an antenatal this afternoon - an appointment that neither me or my midwife knew what it was for - I got there and was ushered in to see the consultant who told me that the protocols around mental health had now been changed and that because I am on antidepressants (a very low dosage of antidepressants specifically chosen because hey are considered extremely low risk for pregnancy) and despite the fact that he had previously and quite happily discharged me from mental health team care and the fact that I am in fact incredibly happy and stable and have been throughout this entire pregnancy (I'm 24 weeks) I am now classed as extremely high risk for PND and will need to stay in hospital for four days after birth.
This is now written in big bold letters over the front of my notes and I was told that even if I told them I was feeling fine and my practising counselling psychotherapist mother with a specialism in parenting and attachment issues (the irony, lol, etc) backed me up no one would be willing to take on the liability for discharging me.
So that's it - I think it's probably healthiest all round that I just accept it's going to be this way and embrace the idea of having four days bedrest to recover from the birth and learn the basics (this is my first baby) with midwives and nurses on hand to help and I do realise that those protocols will help women who are much less stable and supported than me and that's very important but WOW it's pretty terrifying how easy it is to get put in that category and how hard it would be to get out.
No question, just needed to have a mini rant!