Hello Ladies,

I saw my Obstetrician this morning to have a chat about where I want to give birth. While I was there, she mentioned that I am at increased risk of PND because I have suffered from depression in the past. I've been off medication for three years, and haven't felt seriously bad for four years. Does anyone know how much of an increased risk it is, and has anyone got any ideas about how to decrease my chances?

Cheers, Lu xx

I don't know how to decrease your chances babe, i'd like to know myself as i have had depression on and off for 9 years and i had really bad PND after i had my son. My only advise is if you do get PND don't try and hide it, take the help thats available, i hid it and got really bad as i thought i had to be a perfect mother. Deppresion sucks don't it xx

You can't really reduce the chances, it isn't really like that. They just like to keep a closer eye on those of us that have had problems in the past. And it's not just postnatal depression to watch out for, antenatal depression is very common and often goes undiagnosed.

My previous MW referred me to a consultant because of my history and I saw her at my 21 week scan. She wasn't too worried about me because I was doing so well, she just advised me to be vigilant and talk to someone as soon as I needed to.

It's easier, I think, for those of us who have been diagnosed and treated in the past because we know what to look for in ourselves. I've had a very rough two weeks since I saw her and was sure to mention it to the antenatal doctor at my new surgery when I booked in the other day. I'm so glad I did as she is referring me to a local mental health clinic and getting the health visitor to meet me much sooner than she would otherwise so that she can get to know me a bit better before the baby arrives :-)

Just check yourself from time to time hun, and don't be afraid to ask for help at the earliest signs of a relapse

I've got no advice to offer other than to echo what Shifter has said - very sound advice indeed.

I will make sure to keep an eye on my situation as well - I suffered from depression about 5 years ago, but hadn't thought until now that there could possibly be a link between a past depressive episode and increased likelihood of PND. Thank you for opening my eyes to it Lu, snettyb and Shifter

I suffered form depression about 3 years ago too, so I'll be at increased risk of PND as well.

Good advice from shifter. I reckon I should probably have a chat with the midwife next time I see her. I'm a bit down what with suddenly being single and all. It's been two months and I'm still not feeling great. Not depressed though. I know what that feels like and I'm ever vigilant for any similar feelings to those I had 3 years ago.

Just stay positive

I suffered really bad PND after the birth of my son 4 years ago, it was that bad i swore i would never put myself at risk of getting it again, oh well! ive been told I have a 50% chance of getting it this time too, for me i'm just taking each day as it comes and I am trying my best to remain positive, I am also trying to not expect too much of myself as i'm sure me trying to be wonder woman had a lot to do with it, im going to put as many support networks in place as I can and if I dont need them than thats just a bonus and accept any offer of help i'm offered, also visitors are banned! Ive already told people that I will visit them, as and when i'm up to it! nothing worse than coming home from hospital to find 15 people waiting to see bubs, bound to get you off to a bad start! As you are aware that your at risk I'm sure that will stand you in much better stead if you are unlucky enough to get it, i was in denial of mine for a long time and thats why it spiralled out of control, the most important thing is as soon as you dont feel right seek help as theres plenty of it available if your honest with yourself and accept it, fingers crossed for all of us hun xxx

If you do get it just get help asap. i did hear though that mums who bond with their babies throught pregnancy have less of a chance of getting it. Yoga is really good for clearing your mind and relaxing, that may help too

I've been concerned about this as well, as I went through a bout of depression at one point last year. It was only for a couple months, but oh my, I didn't realize how difficult it was!

Does anyone know off hand, if you take antidepressants, can you still breastfeed?

I'm sure there must be medication that's suitable whist breastfeeding, not sure what though...!

I had PND after the birth of my first son,and got help straight away.
Thats the thing,not to hide it and try and carry on as normal to everyone.

Its an awful thing to go through and to have people there to talk to,who will listen is so vital.