? for 2nd time moms

edbetsy1

this post is not limited to 2nd time moms only, also if you've had more than 2 children.

I've been doing some thinking as my due date approaches, on ppd.  When I had my daughter 7 yrs ago I had a mild form of it and I didn't realize I had it.  I was very fortunate to have my mother stay with me after I gave birth and she helped me out a great deal. 

 I guess my question is did any of you ladies have it?  If so how did you handle it?  Was there a relative staying with you?

my mother will be staying with us while my DH is at work (just started a new job last week)and I think is scared that I may go through this again but more so this time than the last time.  I know alot of women don't go through this but I figured for the few that have you may have some great advice to offer. 

Mango2

I'll be interested to see what other people post. I had a bit last time but am really worried this time as well. One thing we decided in advance was to continue to send DD to daycare to not change her routine too much and so I could have time with the baby, and to get MIL and her friends to come help if needed.

edbetsy1

I know all to well what you mean.  I was in my late 20's when I had my daughter and I had heard of it, but I was like oh I won't get that, I don't have to worry.  When I did develop it I had a serious reality check because I was totally oblivious through out my whole pregnancy.  It something that we as women don't expect and are not prepared for.  I really to be honest don't remember much, but my mom was with me and she knew right away something wasn't right.

Mango2 I am glad you mentioned sending DD to daycare.  I was going to keep my daughter home for the summer but I think I may actually have to change that and send her to day camp especially knowing that this may come up and I would probably just scare her.  I am so glad you brought that up! 

 

mommyof2texans

I had it after my DD, my first, over 9yrs ago now.  Its kinda scary and thankfully my friend pointed it out and made me go to the dr. for some help.  It wasn't that bad, but the guilt you have for feeling so sad after such a beautiful event is what is so awful. 

I at least felt prepared going into the second one, and amazingly I did not get it with him at all.  He is 6 1/2 now and I'm starting all over again. 

Mango2

Thanks Edbesty. We'd loose her spot at daycare if we took her out completely and wouldn't be guaranteed f/t again if we went p/t because there's such a long waiting list. I just can't take the chance of there not being a spot when I go back to work. Plus, she's starting to learn a lot at daycare, and I think it will be good for her to have her normal routine M-F.

Check into daycamps. I know my neighbor said that she had wished she'd done something with their 14 MO son after her DD was born last May. He started pre-school in the fall, but all their Mommy groups stopped for the summer so his routine would have changed anyway, but she said it would have been easier if she'd had somewhere to take him even once a week.

trixiebelden

I have had it twice and was on the lookout for it both times.  I have had situational related depression so I knew the signs.  Since you experinced it with your first you know what to look for.

My first experience with PPD was much more one of anxiety.  I was more anxious than what I think most first time moms are and I do have a history of anxiety. I had the baby blues, but I was just so terrified that something was going to happen to my baby.  I felt connected to my son and I wasn't super depressed, but it was hard to get out of the house.  I went on zoloft and joined mommy groups and a mommy exercise group.

My second experience was one of depression.  I felt disconnected from everthing and basically felt like a horrible mom. It didn't help that we hit some tough economic times right after my second son was born, but again I knew what to look for and got help immediately.  I am on zoloft and feel 100 percent better for the most part.

edbetsy1

trixiebelden,

edbetsy1

trixiebelden:

I've never had a history of depression so when I realized after the fact what happen I was more scared.  I don't want to sound like I am stressed out about it but I just want to be prepared if and when it does happen when I give birth.  I read the symptoms you had with both of your sons(which are absolutely adorable btw) and I had moreless the same as you did.  I defitely plan on speaking to my dr about it on my next appointment.  I really appreciate your advice especially all the other ladies that responded.  I feel more relieved to know I wasn't the only 1 that has/went through it.