Deciding on Pregnancy #2 After PPD with Pregnancy #1 - Downers Grove,IL

I had PPD after DD was born. I begged for help for 3 months before anyone would actually give me medication! Sad, eh? Anyway, I was on the meds for about 2 years before I was able to wean off them.

We were also concerned about what would happen if we had #2. When I was a few weeks from being due, I asked my doctor if I could have a prescription to have on hnd just in case. That alone was a huge relief. I ended up not needing it at all.

As a previous poster mentioned, no two pregnancies/post partum experiences are the same.

Look into bio-identical progesterone. It is the severe drop in progesterone that brings on the baby blues. My progesterone was too low to maintain my pregnancy and that gave me the clue to look it up. I also have a past history of bipolar II. So with my midwive's backing, I started on compounded progesterone as soon as my daughter was born. I never had depression with my daughter, even with an 80% of severe PPD, I was told. I have continued on it for over 3 yrs now as it was obvious that my body couldn't make enough on it's own. If you want any more info, feel free to message me. I totally understand the fear...I lived it prior to getting pregnant.

Hi D.,

I was still deeply in serious PPD when I became pregnant with my 2nd baby. I talked to the OB about re-starting medication late in the 3rd trimester (safe for breastfeeding). For some reason that I don't remember, I chose not to do this. However, I went on medication immediately after the birth. After the first few weeks, it was crystal clear to me that I had the more typical "baby blues" PPD than the previous serious PPD I experienced. Hence, I took myself off the meds within a couple weeks. I think you will be able to tell where you stand. It's not guaranteed that you will have the same type of PPD with the second child. You just never know.

I applaud you for thinking about this. As you already know, women who have never experienced how crippling serious PPD is simply can not understand the issue (lucky for them!!) Please remember to disregard comments on this board (such as "so what, it's only 2 years of your life") that are not helpful.

Hi D.- as someone who was nearly hospitalized and ended up quitting work due to PPD, I can certainly understand your apprehension. After almost 3 years of medications (some really heavy duty) and therapy, I am finally ok- at least for me! That being said, I did go on to have another baby about 4 years after my 1st. We too were super concerned about the relapse of the PPD. My Drs and family were very aware of any symptoms and we did take a proactive approach by starting a low dose of Zoloft as soon as I had given birth. I can happily say that I have not had to increase that dose nor seek any treatment and I'm 18 mths out. My Dr. really stressed that just like no 2 people, no 2 pregnancies or post-partum time is going to be identical. She also said that it can never reoccur or it can be as bad or worse. I also can say now that there were a few things that really exacerbated or possibly prolonged my 1st round of PPD- so maybe you need to really take a magnifying glass to your situation- as difficult as that may be. It will serve you well in the long run. I believe that if everyone is on the same page, there is no reason to not go ahead with it-your life will certainly be enriched by another child! If you ever want to talk, please send me a message, I more than willing to listen and be a support.

I agree with Mom LK's comment about disregarding others' comments about it only being two years and not being anything. Obviously they don't realize that when someone has PPD, it totally changes you emotionally until things are straightend out and if you aren't in a good position to care for your children due to PPD, then that isn't a good thing. Good for you for thinking about it early and being proactive.

PPD turned my life upside down too, as I could never imagineand I am also nervous about a second baby. It's good to know there are many people to rely on for support.

Hi D.,

I had post partum anxiety after my first and was scared for the second but I had the exact opposite, post partum euphoria. I would say that I was high out of my mind with joy for the first six weeks after my second. It really showed me the power of hormones. And none of this related to my life because we were struggling with a lot more serious problems when my second was born. Just like with the birthing process you don't know what will happen and you have to just go with what you are given. Prepare yourself with whatever you need, support, medication, therapists and then go for it. Even if you have it again it will be better because you will know what it is and you will know that it ends. Good luck!

I had very severe PPD bordering on Postpartum Psychosis. I was on medications until I got pregnant with our second (our daughter was 21 months) we slowly weaned off the medication during the beginning of the pregnancy. Because I had it so severe the first time and because I was still on medication when I got pregnant my doctor has made it clear that we will do a "preemptive strike" and I will be started on a low dose of medication before I leave the hospital after this baby. Hopefully this will prevent the major crash I had with our first. If we find that we need to up the dose we will, my husband will be monitoring me very closely for any signs that we would need to up the dose.

Hi D.,

I did not have PPD, but I did have severe anxiety disorder throughout my first pregnancy that I had to take anti-anxiety medication throughout the pregnacy. I stayed on the medication until my daughter was about 6 months old and I was able to wean off it. It also has impacted our decision to have more children. Suffering from anxiety has alot of similiarities to suffering from depression, so I completely sympathize with what you went through and your feelings about future pregnancies. The whole experience really turned our lives upside down. I went through a period where I didn't leave the house for months and it was definitely the most trying time in my life. That being said, the joy my daughter has brought us, has made us see we want more children. The past year we have been trying again. I did get pregnant a couple months ago, and I was terrified that every time I felt a little emotional, the anxiety was back. But it wasn't, I did not have anxiety at all. Unfortunately we lost that baby, but we are going to try again. I won't lie and say that I am not apprehensive about it, but I feel reassured that at least this time if the anxiety does return I will recognize the signs right away so I can seek help and treatment. My midwife is aware of my past problems, so we can take a much more proactive approach this time. I would say to maybe think about some one on one therapy for yourself or find a support group. Even if you don't have PPD again, sometimes it's just nice to have a sounding board to get your feelings out. Definitely discuss medications, and if you feel the signs of depression or anxiety coming on, seek help immediately. If someone hasn't experienced depression or anxiety, they don't understand what you went through, I would disregard comments from people that say its no big deal or a "small" sacrifice. Your sanity is a priority. PPD can be crippling. It may be cliche, but I always say to "hope for the best, but plan for the worst". Just knowing the signs and that you may develop PPD, is really half the battle. Hopefully you will have another baby and never suffer from PPD. I think its great that you are making an informed decision to get pregnant again! You do have one son and yourself and husband to think about, so it is realistic to consider what is the best thing for your family. Deciding not to have more kids is a perfectly reasonable decision and one you should not feel bad about if you do decide on it. If you decide to try again, then just try and keep on top of your feelings, but don't let it control your life if you can. You may find you are so busy with a 20-month old this time around, you won't even think about it =)Just one more thought....have you considered adoption at all? We considered this as it would allow us to expand our family, but not go through another pregnancy. We ultimately decided against it, but it's a thought. I wish you all the best in whatever you decide!

Hey Mom's. Well, I'm going through the same thing your going through, except i have bad PPD, but haven't gotten the help to deal with it quite yet. My daughter just turned 1 years old in November. But well, i'm pregnant with my second child now. I'm almost 3 months along. I obviously want to get the help My daughter, and myself deserve but will medication harm the new baby? I've always been afraid that if i tell someone how i'm feeling they'll try to take my little ones away. I never knew i had PPD, i never even knew about PPD. I'm a young mother, trying to make the best of my situation that i can. From all the story's i've heard of happy mothers, an so on.. i knew what i am feeling is NOT normal. My daughter is 1 now though, an most of the people i talk to that have dealt with ppd, had it only a couple months after giving birth. Could i still have it after all this time? Is it likely im going to get it again with my 2nd baby? Any one have any suggestions?
-S..

So your PPD lasted around 2 years? Your childs life is a lot longer than that. I think the greastest gift we as parents can give to are children is siblings! Yes it maybe really hard for another 2 years but then you have the rest of your life to enjoy with your kids! A small sacrifice to pay I think

I've read a lot about this on the personal blog of dooce.com. She has shared her stories about her PPD and how she and her family have done--she just had a second child by the way so maybe her honesty will help you.
good luck.

I had PPD after my 1st child and my husband and I were very scared to have our second child! But the pregnancy was a little bit of a surprise to us and we had to deal with our fears. Luckily we had a beautiful boy and I was normal!!! It was wonderful to enjoy my baby and have a great time being a mother! I have to say, I was scared every now and again if I started feeling really emotional and my husband would ask if I sure I was fine. Which I know he was just making sure, but it was a little aggrevating always being questioned when ever I was expressing any emotions. Overall, it was the so wonderful and rewarding to have a baby and actually enjoy that time with the whole family. I would say go for it and hope for the best and prepare for the worst! Good luck!!!

D.,

I never had sever PPD, however I had some depression before and after my first was born. I hated being home by myself. I started seeing a therapist, which really did help along with the meds. Many hospital have PPD support groups. I think it really helps to be among others who have also suffered with this.

If you remember Brook Shields had the same issues, and she did well with her second pregnancy.

No personal experience, but I know a few moms who decided to go on antipepressants towards the end of pregnancy #2 as a preventive measure. They were all very happy with that decision, so you might ask about it next time you see your doctor.

Talk to your doctor to see if he/she thinks you should be concerned. Get a recommendation for a therapist who treats women who have had PPD. Also, discuss with the therapist why you want a second child. Before we adopted our second child I went to see a therapist to make sure (I was and for a couple of months in my 40's.) She may not have agreed having a second child, but I know it was one of the best things I have ever done.

Take care
J.

This may not be your cup of tea, but a natural way of reducing the possibility of PPD is by ingesting your placenta by having it dried and encapsulated. If you're birthing in a hospital setting, not sure you'd be able to get your hands on your placenta. The Nest offers this service. They are located on the north west side. http://www.thenestchicago.com/ I'm a home birther and my midwife shared an office with them. My husband dropped off the placenta at their offices.

I understand where you are coming from. I had bad PPD with my first but I never thought of not having more.

If it makes you feel better, since both my husband and I were prepared for it my PPD was not even half as bad with my second. We knew it was coming and took steps to avoid it getting bad, making sure I ate, got out, got sleep. Part of what made it so bad with my first is I was all alone, we would go a week without ever leaving the house. With a toddler that wasn't an option. I still had to get up, I had to play with him, i had to take him to school, to playgroup...there wasn't time to sit and listen to the thoughts in my head.

I am also now pregnant with my third. You can't let it control your life, you need to live the life you want and not be sacred of what could happen. I know, I've been there, you can do it it, with help!

Good luck!

I don't have personal experience with this, but I have had hormonal issues and acupuncture was the only thing that worked and lasted. Have you thought about trying acupuncture?

I do have a girlfriend who has 3 little ones and with the first she had severe PPD but not with #2 or #3. I am pregnant with my first so I have no personal experience to share. Good luck to you and I wish you the best.

I had PPD following the births of my 2nd & 3rd child. A nurse advised me that PPD was about repressed anger. This was puzzling to me but some tome later I made the connection to what event had angered me.
Although hormonal changes are a factor, life challenges that cause additional or unusual stress intensify PPD. Take an honest look at what has been happening in your & your family members lives. A proactive approach could include counseling or other avenues to help you process your emotions and reduce stress.
A counselor could also help you determine if you are ready to grow your family at this time.

Hi D.. As you know PPD (or even the "baby blues") are primarily due to a hormonal imbalance. I too advocate for placenta encapsulation to help with PPD but as you may or may not know that would only be available if you had a homebirth with a midwife(have you ever considered it?) Also, maybe think back to the birthing experience you had. Did you have pitocin administered to induce or "speed up" your labor? If so, once pitocin enters your body, oxytocin (your natural hormone in labor) is stagnated at the same time your brain stops producing endorphins. The wonderful "high" that women who go through natural childbirth experience. All these natural hormones are designed to keep balance during the birthing process and any interference can be detrimental post partum (bonding process, mother's emotional state, etc..).

There's a forum taking place in a few weeks that discuss hormonal systems and how they work during the process of birth. Here's the info:

WORKSHOP FOCUS
To explore and expand upon the hormonal systems, their interaction, their enhancement, and what happens when they are disturbed. How these chemical messengers effect our bodies. How they actually orchestrate the physical processes of birth and enhance efficiency, safety and ease for both mother and baby.

SPEAKERS:

Yalda Afshar, MD/PhD Endocrinology

Dr. Karla Witt Nacion, RNC, CNM, Ph.D.

WHEN:

January 23, 2010

from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm-- doors open 5 pm

WHERE:

UIC College of Medicine

Moss Auditorium, 909 S. Wolcott St room 1020

Admission $10

Good luck to you!
A.