Having another baby after Postnatal Depression
For those who have suffered from postnatal depression the thought of expanding their family is daunting.
This page contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small amount of money if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our articles and reviews are written independently by the Netmums editorial team.
The thought of going through PND is enough to make a parent stop at one child, however desire to increase families can overtake that natural fear. Our aim is to share the help about conceiving after having PND.
There is very limited research into conceiving after having had PND but research suggests that the risk of having a relapse are between 25% and 50% (Hendrick & Altshuler 2002, Josefsson et al 2002).
There is a theory that if a woman is in exactly the same situation as she was in her last pregnancy, then there is an increased chance that she will succumb to PND again.
Even though that figure sounds alarming, because you have previously had PND and have survived it, you now have all the tools to recognise and seek help earlier if you should be unfortunate to be become ill again. If at all possible, plan as if you will get PND again, make arrangements, then get busy, get pregnant and once your plan is formulated put it to one side and try and get on with enjoying your pregnancy. Make a note of the antidepressant that worked for you last time, so if need be you already have in your toolbox a medication that works.
Also try and remember that every pregnancy and every baby is different, which means that what ever happens with your next baby will not be the same as last time, and that PND is not predestined!
Hopefully this article will give you some tips on how to achieve that.
- Be prepared – make arrangement to have lots of support – both practical in terms of childcare arrangements for your other children and emotional in terms of being heard and being allowed to express how you are feeling. Tell those closest to you what to say and what not to say to you if you should become ill, what worked and what did not work last time, so at least they know how to help as well. Maybe write a note to yourself to remind yourself that you will get better and have positive times to look forward to, possibly have a cherished photo with that note.
- Be aware of the symptoms of PND and be aware of where you can access treatment quickly to aid a quick recovery.
Maybe, just by having the practical and emotional support in place and not feeling overwhelmed and exhausted could be enough for some mothers to prevent a bout of PND.
Prevention
- Before getting pregnant make sure you look at your physical health needs. Preconceptually ask your GP for a blood test to assess anaemia and thyroid function.
- Getting extra psychological support during your pregnancy is advisable. Asking your Health Visitor, midwife or GP to refer you to mental health team that specialises in pregnancy would help. By discussing and expressing any concerns you have about delivery, baby, after baby, you have then faced those fears and hopefully formulated a plan on how to deal with those concerns should they arouse.
- Antidepressants: Some GPs have found that by giving antidepressants in last 3 weeks of pregnancy has had some effect on preventing another recurrence. The argument being that the risk of mother succumbing to PND is greater than the risk to the baby. Make a note of the antidepressant that worked for you last time, so if need be you already have in your toolbox a medication that works.
- Progesterone and oestrogen supplements. Dr Katrina Dalton has done extensive research on the benefits of hormone supplements immediately after pregnancy and is a huge advocate of hormone replacement therapy. Maybe discuss this with your GP and midwife.
- Physically look after yourself during pregnancy – make sure you have rest, regular well balanced nutritious meals.
- Use your pregnancy to arrange a local support network so that you do not feel lonely and isolated after delivery. Why not use this time to join our Netmums meet ups?
- If at all possible, try and make your delivery as different to your previous delivery, so that you have no reminders of negative birthing experiences. Discuss your options and delivery choices with your midwife, obstetrician and GP.
- Avoid reading too many baby care books or surrounding yourself with too much baby equipment (eg, water temperature gauges etc). You have parented one child successfully, so why not trust your own instincts. Also excessive books and gadgets will just increase your stress.
- Take as many steps as possible to avoid coinciding any major life stresses such as house moves, studying, returning to work, home renovations with your pregnancy or delivery.
- Make a plan of action with your GP and Health Visitor that you will not slip through the net when you have delivered and that you will receive regular support.
- Be aware that some family members – who have seen you so ill from PND before may not be supportive of your plans to have another baby. Try and ignore any of their negativity and reassure them that you have prepared for the likelihood of PND and will be able to identify and treat your symptoms as soon as you see them.
Related articles
