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Post by Veritee on Mar 31, 2004 9:28:19 GMT
What in your opinion is the biggest factor in your getting PNI? What stands out for you?
For me it was the lack of respect and unhelpful attitude by ALL healthcare professionals during my long and difficult labour and birth, and of course the fact it was long and difficult with a caesarean at the end.
However while perhaps no one could have prevented the medical difficulties of Caja’s birth (Although I do question this even, as if I had been listened to hours before, when I KNEW it was not going right – I know much of mine and Caja’s suffering could have been prevented) a general attitude of respect, care and consultation, despite what I was going through, would for me have made all the difference.
At the time I felt the way I was treated must have been down to some inadequacy in myself – perhaps I made too much fuss – perhaps I was taking up to much of their time, they certainly indicated this as every time I called them - which actually was as little as I could – perhaps every couple of hours, I was told ‘we had other mothers to deal with you know’.
This still stings today as of course I knew this , but I was truly in distress, suffering and very scared for my baby – rightly so as it turned out.
I do not know if I would have had PNI without this experience, but the staff attitude to me really knocked my confidence about being a mum for six. I am sure that even had I still had PNI the outcome would have been better if this had not happened in hospital and had I been listened to I may not have had such a traumatic experience.
This attitude did not finish after she was born and was in special care, I still had many experiences of not being respected and not being listened to. Especially around issues of breast feeding which in fact I was very good at despite the lack of support I received.
I was a 38 year old woman being treated like a 6 year old and sometimes I responded like I was 6.
It does not have to be this way in hospital – even in the same hospital. When I had my accident last year and was rushed by air ambulance to Treliske – the same hospital as I had Caja – I was not thinking of the pain or how serious my injury was, I was just dreading going into Treliske again and experiencing the abusive attitudes towards me I had when I was in the maternity wing.
It was amazing to me because THIS DID NOT HAPPEN!
I was treated in the orthopaedic department, with the utmost respect at all times, consulted about all my treatment, listened to if I thought things were not going as they should. I just do not know what made the difference but it proved that it certainly was nothing in me. If anything I made more fuss than I had when in Labour. At one time I even refused some treatment and time was taken to discuss this with me and we came to a compromise. Yes there were sometimes when they were too busy for me at that time because of the needs of other patients, but I was asked politely to wait and they would get back as soon as they could – and they always did.
I would say that the difference was that my birth was 14 years ago and Treliske hospital has changed. I would think this except in the last year I have heard from 3 mothers who feel they were treated like this in Treliske maternity wing only during the last year2003/4 – so it does still happen to mothers there – why? What is going on?
Has anyone else got any feedback on their treatment in hospital and how it affected you? I would love to hear from you if your experience was good or bad.
If so start another thread, as this one is for what you feel was the biggest factor in your PNI.
Thanks Veritee
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Post by Veritee on Mar 31, 2004 11:15:23 GMT
Have to add this: Treliske Hospital Maternity Wing does get it right so my experience, and other negative ones - is not anywhere near everyone’s.
My friend had the tragic experience of her full term baby dieing inside her womb and having to give birth knowing her baby was dead. This happened last only week - I know she will not mind me mentioning it -the funeral is later today. I can not begin to imagine what her and her family went through. But while it is too raw to discuss this fully with her, she is a qualified nurse and I know that if the staff at Treliske had been anything less than totally helpful and professional - she would have mentioned it. I wish I knew what factors influence the differences in people’s experiences in the same hospital?
I am sure I have heard there has been some research done into this – but cannot remember where this may be found – does anyone else know?
All the best
Veritee
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Post by Wends on Apr 2, 2004 0:09:09 GMT
Hi Everyone
The biggest factor in me getting P.N.I. was that my long held dream of how things were going to be didn't evolve. I knew to be realistic about the birth and to expect the unexpected. I knew that labour was probably going to be really hard and painful and the same for the birth. What I wasn't prepared for was the huge energy drain and lack of self confidence which followed the birth. This was certainly not helped by certain nurses at the hospital who treated me indifferently and made me feel unimportant. I encountered breastfeeding problems and was mortified to have nurses grabbing at me like a piece of meat and even pinching my skin supposedly to help baby to latch on correctly. What a joke that was. I did however encounter some wonderful nurses who went the extra mile to help us out. Kind words, kind gestures and thoughtfulness were so greatly appreciated at such a vulnerable time. It takes a special kind of person to be a great nurse and unfortunately they seemed to be few and far between at the New Zealand hospital that I was at.
I had wanted to feed my baby for about a year but had to stop at nine weeks after much pain, discomfort and distress. I did the best I could but just couldn't continue as my emotional wellbeing was suffering. I'm sure that baby felt the stress too as I cringed before every feed.
So in summary - it was about shattered dreams. Not being able to live up to my own expectations and perhaps others expectations. Having to settle for something other than what I had planned. That's when the P.N.I started to infiltrate our family life.
Hoping that this helps others.
love Wendy
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Post by Jackie on Apr 5, 2004 2:24:29 GMT
THE SIGNS WERE THERE BUT THE PROFESSION FAILED MY PLEAS UNTIL IT WAS TOO LATE!!
I am Jackie and have suffered with PNI and later diagnosed with Manic depression brought on by childbirth with both of my childrens births.My children are now 7 & 3 and i am pleases to say live a happy life oblivious to the traumatic begining's that they both received more so my son as my daughter was too young to remember my spells in hospital. MY PNI had many factors i was brought up as a Jehovahs witness from infancy ,the beliefs were instilled ,it was a strict upbringing and events occured in my life that i supressed until the birth of my firstborn. I Lost my faith in the religion but was afraid god would punish me,i fell in love with a man who was not of the religion we met fell in love,it was a whirlwind romance,we met,i left the area as i found work closer to him,the job was not as expected and i temporarily moved in with him and his parents for a month ,Then in one spectacular moment i both found myself a home and job through same channel it seemed as though fate was shining in our direction.I had informed my religion of my decision and my life,they hounded me and interogated me as though i was a criminal !! my whole life scrutinized and i was disfellowshipped. Those months were torture!! My partner wanted me to marry him after only two months together at the same time as i had decided to further my career -the big bombshell i was pregnant!! I wanted my child i knew deep down i was pregnant but i was in turmoil my life as i knew it had changed drematically and events were just overtaking me-Pressure of boss who once Informed of my pregnancy said i might lose job as she had not long herself started as manager and needed someone who she could rely on and was also worried about maternity etc-however as i was only doing 15 hours and was having to sign on just to get credits and when i asked Job centre etc how this would affect me -i was never given a straight answer even from National insurance and i was left without any money when son arrived.As my wedding day approached i displayed no enthusiasm, in reality i was just an observer at my own big day- family row concerning the wedding dress erupted then a fight at the end of the night etc .My husband took time off work for honeymoon while i returned to work.During the first 2 months of pregnancy i began bleeding i was worried but it stopped .During my pregnancy i was very quiet chris (husband) well he was so excited about the birth that he came to most of my midwife visits-basically he spoke for me. I feared that god would punish me for losing my faith i was worried about what would happen if i needed a blood transfusion as i for my own reasons to a degree could understand about problems with blood transfusions but would give one to my child if they needed one though!! MY labour started and it was a very quick delivery! i was phoned the hospital and was told to come in when contractions were unberable.I being who i am decided to go to town while in labour and get slippers as my feet had swelled ,my mother masaged my back and would join us later at the hospital after she had finished her job-This was not to be! After i left in the car my contractions were frequent and thought i was going to give birth in the CAR! I arrived at the hospital by this time i was ready to give birth!! I went in and everyone was trying to get me on the bed to examine me and i was bouncing-i went to toilet my waters broke-everyone flapping and my midwife gasped "your fully dilated"-she angry after realising what i was told by hospital 12.30 down at labour ward, i had an episiotomy as he was showing signs of distress but was delivered safely even though the cord was stuck he was born 2.26 weighing 8lb 1oz but was jaundice and did lose a lot of weight during first two weeks but started to gain thankfully as i did not want to go back in. After he was born we were inundated with visitors and i did not want to upset anyone so i did not relax as much as i should ! and i felt awkward having my mother and husbands mother in my house or anyone for that matter as i was meticulous about tidiness so i would get up earlier and earlier and as i suffer anyway with insomnia things just esculated!! I was trying to be supermum and then i was visiting my family travelling by bus struggling on my own to carry both my son and pushchair as noone helped and although elderly offered i was worried they would hurt themselves.I was burning the candle both ends i was up most of the night and finally i just burnt out! worrying about that my son was going to die because i was no longer a JW,i couldn't relax and well my past came back to haunt me,i thought i would not control myself like my dad did,i worried if i would be able to care for him the way i should.I operated mechanically did all that was expected except the most important Which was "Bonding with my new child cherishing every moment"I was so busy with chores that i was losing out on my son's first moment's I was there but not if you know what i am trying to say. I went to the doctor's but they were not alert to the seriousness of my situation! i was put on antidepressants but they were very mild and in actauality it takes 3 weeks for medication to even begin to take effect! My situation escelated i neglected myself but always cared for my son's need's in the end though i was admitted in to hospital.I was in the system i was drained and i was interogated everyone was defensive it had to be someone elses fault-it was like being fed to the lions and my family thought i was betraying them that i was somehow perposely trying to inflict pain when i was in fact so ill that when i was admitted in to hospital with my son my husband stayed that first night but because i could not remember them it was causing me alarm and doctors said for my health it would be wise for my son not to be around.I thought i had aids and was going to die because i thought i had a blood transfusion and that the hospital was where all evil sinners go as jw do not believe in hell! i was telling people not to come near me as i was going to die -I mean it might seem funny to believe the image of me at breakfast table telling everyone i was about to die but i can still recolect my fear as i did not want others to suffer -I can remember every detail even doctors are suprised at my memory and that i can recall information that many even under normal situations would not recollect,i do not know whether this is a good thing as doctors if i give an opinion which they do not like they dismiss it as me being in denial of my illness. The system should shoulder some of the responsibility of my illness they did not recognise PNI,neither did they ensure that i was cared for properly as one doctor ceased medication straight away and i walked in front of a bus luckily husband was with me,that same night we were in the car and i opened the door while car was travelling at 50 mph luckily i was unhurt due to father in laws speedy actions.When i left hospital noone ensured i had any after care,husband left his job as he had a disciplinary warning for taking time off even thoughthey knew the circumstances and he had been an excemplary employee for many years,i was really worried,pleaded with him to rethink but he was told he could possibly return in future.We were struggling on benefit within a month i was coping and told him to reapply for his job which he did.It was hard reajusting in hospital you have no responsibilities,your meals are catered for-you do not have to remember to eat,dress mundane simple everyday tasks which we take for granted become misssion impossible.THE hospital became a safe haven i did not want to leave i had found new friends who were all in the same position they understood what i was feeling, We ere all suffering from different ailments,but were all supposed to conform to what society believes is the norm,to accept what we are told,freedom of speech as long as we do not arouse or cause conflict to the Authorities.We are in fact a minority to them but i believe we should be heard,protected and not shun,the system has many flaws that do not protect PNI sufferers who are worried about the repercussions of seeking help when they know they need help but not sure where to turn. Well i just want to say you are an inspiration i think there should be more awareness to ailments not only of PNI but well i am an idealist and not a realist,Although i do not believe in my ex religion they gave me one thing and that is that i can relate to others and their convictions even though i might not share their beliefs.I would like to believe God made us unique for a reason and that we are given obstacles to overcome so that we become stronger as individuals and can share our insight and experiences with others. There must be a god because we are all intriqute beings,unique with the ability to love and be loved.Everyday i gaze at what god gave me the most precious gift of all and they are precious to me and they are my worth every obstacle and hurdle i have ever had to overcome,never doubt that i love you, Jonathan or Bethany,no words can ever express my emotions when i gave birth to you,when i held you in my arms and heard your first cry,or when i saw you smile and your eagerness to overcome each little milestone. ALways remember you are my sunshine's My only Sunshine's when sky's are grey.
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gerik
New Member
i'm 36 with 1 son born sept 2000, at 5 wks i developed pnd and took anti-d's for 2 yrs
Posts: 8
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Post by gerik on Apr 5, 2004 11:46:48 GMT
for me the biggest factor in getting pni is not having a clue about what a new born baby does, and the 24 hr care it needs - my ds didn't sleep and we didn't know why. i lost sleep & lost everything from there really
i still think its JUST hormonal, but at the time i KNEW i was the ONLY mum in the whole wild world who couldn't look after their own precious new baby
geri x
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Post by Chris GS on Apr 6, 2004 14:40:13 GMT
The reason I feel that I got PND again was that I had an idealistic view of what I wanted my childbirth to be. I wanted a waterbirth, but i would have had any pain killers going. I was also going to breatfeed.
I had an antenatal appointment with my doctor at 31.5 weeks pregnant I knew I had odema but i thaught that iit would go when i stopped work a week later! The nurse tried to take my blood pressure (and couldn't find it - so she said!), I also had protien in my urine. The Doctor saw me and sent me striaght to Salisbury hospital for an overnight stay that lasted a week (or 5 including after the birth).
During that week I was told i had to have a ceasarean and 3 times that i would be having my baby that day only to be told on the first 2 occassions that they wanted me to get as near to term as possible. The 3rd time I was told after a midwife caught me eating a second bite of a cheese sandwich. They then told me that they had to delay the ceasaren due to me having 2 bites of a sandwich! Later that evening another 3 emergencies needed the theatre so at 11.30 pm a hospital official came in and said that my operation would be first on the list the next day as it would be safer for me and the baby! Thinking about it later my pre-eclampsia was getting worse and could have rapidly detiorated and they had actually braught in a midwife to 'special' me. We also found out later that the Neonatal Unit were also waiting for my baby and had not been told.
The ceasarean went well and was more emotional than i thaught it would be! My baby was alright despite being 7.5 weeks early and weighed 4lbs! My husband gave her a cuddle before she was taken away to NICU.
I was then taken to the labour ward to be 'specialed' for 24 hours.
This was fine until i was moved back to the postnatal ward, I was on the main ward with all the other mums and their babies, but i was without mine! The other mums and visitors kept looking at me and i felt that they did not know what to say.I was able to visit NICU when i wanted but at first i had to ask for someone to go with me. I first held my daughter when she was 2 days old, she was laid on a pillow on my lap.
My daughter was in the Neonatal Unit for 4 weeks, all the nurses in there all worked differently so i found myself asking which way to lay her, how many sheets etc. I felt i was being watched all the time and one nurse told me at one point that i could not pick her up as she needed her rest. Another time a nurse was putting down her nasogastric tube and put it down in the wrong way, i know this as i am a nurse and the fact that she was crying but no noise was coming out! Even though i mentioned this the nurse dismissed me in the end saying that she had put the tube down too far so would have to resite it. I was also encouraged to breastfeed - which i wanted to do but after 3.5 weeks of trying i suggested trying the bottle and insisted about it, my daughter took to it striaght away and was discharged 2 days later! I still feel that if one of the nurses had suggested it then my daughter would have been discharged earlier but i felt pressurised into trying to breastfeed.
When my daughter came home i could finally relax a bit. But i began to get lethargic, i went to the under 1 group but as i lived on an army estate all the other mums were under 19 and i had nothing in common with them as i was 27 and was a professional nurse.
I went on anti depressents 2 months later then when my daughter was nearly 2 i went on them again, however with counselling i soon was off them and fell pregnant soon afterwoulds. I thaught i had got away with it this time but 10 months on i was back on them and have been on them for 2 months now, i start counselling tommorrow! I now feel guilty as i am so in love with my son, i feel that i did not have that bond with my daughter - even though i was so ill with my daughter i cannot remember loving her, i have been told that i was loving with her.
The staff at Treliske were fantastic with me with my son and were more reassuring than Salisbury. I moved down when i was 7months pregnant and i cannot fault the care i recieved.
Sorry if i've gone on a bit!
Chris x
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Josi
New Member
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Post by Josi on Apr 15, 2004 22:53:55 GMT
I have had pni for 6 years now and am still on medication.
In the beginning I was told that I would never be able to have children without medical help. So, naturally believed this, then at the age of 36 I fell pregnant. Feelings of joy, desperation and fear as I had suffered two miscarriages in a previous relationship some 10 years before. Anyway my pregnancy was wonderful, I was so well (albeit I slept an awful lot) I could stay pregnant for ever as I was so healthy and yes, happy. I had great ante-natal support and was lucky enough to have my friend who was a senior mid-wife control my birth, by means of drip. I had my son in 7 hours total and can quite honestly say the labour wasn't that bad. When he was passed to me I said ' come to your auntie', even then I didnt relate to him and I suppose I should have seen that comment as a warning sign.
My son suffered colic and screamed for 6 hours a day from 3-9pm, even when he went into hospital because he was poorly the nurses cried because they felt so helpless. This horror lasted 3 months and did nothing to help me love him, in fact I remember the look of horror on my ex-partners face when I told him I felt nothing towards our son.
A visit to the doctor produced Prozac and did absolutely nothing. I had felt suicidal for months, had turned into the most horrible person on earth and did not love my son or myself, but there was nothing I could do about it, I wasnt in control.
Eventually 'we' went private as the local GP quite honestly did not have a clue what to do. I ended up travelling for 2 hours to see and eminent psychiatrist who was wonderful, he understood, and he didnt judge or condemn my feelings. New medication and regular visits to him did liquidise the problem for about 18 months, then I had a massive relapse because of a 'bad' appointment with my local GP. The next day I was admitted to a psychiatric hospital.
Going there was terrifying, but honestly once I got used to it I was glad to be there. Other depression sufferers were there and understood my feelings. I stayed for 6 weeks and was then sent home with an appointment to see a psychotherapist and various psychiatrists. The psychotherapist was wonderful - she listened. Whereas the psychiatrists didn't even know my case history so most of the time was spent repeating myself and then running out of time.
I had a quite traumatic childhood with a very strict mum, who I love with all my heart but I cannot forget what she did to me with her beatings. This coupled with the fact that I had kept a secret for 30 years of being sexually manhandled by one of my fathers friends I feel has added to this awful illness that I still suffer with.
My son is now 7, and he is wonderful, handsome, funny, polite and extremely spoilt. But still there are times I wish I could give him to my sister to look after as I hate myself, my personality the way I look. I still get angry mostly at my son and know that I am harming his future. Its a case of me repeating my childhood but only verbally I rarely smack him in case I lose it. I feel so sad, so unhappy. I know I should be making the most of him, enjoying him but in some ways I resent him, his innocence his loveliness.
Do you know I even wish I had a fatal illness so that I can free my son of his horrible mother.
I have no one I can call a friend, never socialise. I even gave up an excellent managerial job 6 months ago because I just cant pretend to be happy all the time.
I dont see much of a future for me just the usual day to day drudgery I have now. Because of my medication Venlafaxine I have gained 5 stone in weight and recently joined Slimmers World to try and lose it. A recent visit the a new psychiatrist has produced a reduction plan off Venlafaxine onto Cipralex in the hope that this drug may improve me and my way of living life.
PNI can be the result of many things from our past and I do believe that my horrible past made this ugly illness rear its head. Maybe if I had never had a child I would have never suffered. I used to be so happy go lucky, funny, confident, smart, kind and caring now I am just this horrible worthless human being with no confidence and no real feelings.
I could go on and on typing my story but fear I would fill your pages
Thanks for reading this
Josi
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Post by carolgibbons on Apr 22, 2004 16:43:44 GMT
Hi Folks! When I had P.N.I. the first time, it followed a 40 hour labour which ended with an emergency ceasarean, however, I can honestly say I don't think my birth experience had anything to do with the P.N.I. that followed. The hospital staff were wonderful throughout and I didn't feel at all traumatized. My P.N.I. started when my periods resumed so I have always thought that hormones were the cause of my P.N.I. last time and think the same this time. I had an elective ceasarean this time and everything went exceedingly well, I also took prozac from the day Emily was born as a preventative measure, however, when my periods resumed so did the P.N.I. Another factor that makes me think my P.N.I. is hormonal is it's cyclical nature - I have two good weeks and two bad weeks every month. The bad weeks start when I am ovulating and end when my period starts. So, as you can see, the biggest factor for me is 'HORMONES' - Hope this helps with your research Veritee? Take Care, Big Hugs, Carol X
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Post by penelope on Apr 27, 2004 15:58:44 GMT
i ve had pnd for three years since the birth of my last son. I think the main factor in getting pnd was my experience at the hospital. i had a long labour which resulted in an emergency caesarian. i was not told what was going and and when i asked what was happening i was told they did not have time to tell me. To this day i dont know exactly what the problem was, and this left me feeling helpless and like i had lost control of what was happening to me. I now attend a local support group for women who have pnd, which is run by a health visitor, and this really is a great help to me.people there have shown me that no matter how bad it seems you really can be well again.
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Lins01
New Member
I am 28 years old, married with a little girl 15 months
Posts: 5
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Post by Lins01 on May 1, 2004 21:31:37 GMT
This is my first time here but I wanted to write after readng everyone elses comments. I think I have just finally accepted that I am still suffering from PND. My daughter is 16 months old and for this long I have been trying to muddle through myself without any help from Health Visitors etc. My biggest factor - I am not sure. I guess I thought we would be happy families once the baby was born. My husband (as adoring as he is) really doesn't take a massive input into Ellie's life and I never expected it to be that way. Getting him to change a nappy is a mamoth task. Also (though this is probably the depression talking) he seems to prefer to be at work. I do have to add that I had my daughter in Cambridge and the staff at the Rosie Maternity were fantastic. I had a traumatic birth after over a week in labour at 3 cms dilated. My daughter would not get into breast feeding and used to scream as soon as we attempted it (which left me feeling like a failure as I didn't realise how much I wanted that). All in all she is a beautiful little girl and I am so very proud. I just wish I didn't feel so alone.
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Post by Annie on May 13, 2004 22:04:52 GMT
Hi! I have 3 children and I have only had PNI with my third baby, so obviously I have been trying to fathom why I have got this awful illness now.I think there have been 2 big factors in my getting PNI .The first was, like other people, a traumatic birth this time. E got her shoulder stuck (shoulder dystocia-probably spelt wrong!!) and at one point her head came out and slipped back in. This meant when she came out she was shocked and had to have oxygen to make her respond. She wasn't making any sound unlike my other two who had come out screaming.I thought she was going to die!The delivery room was full of people who had dashed in at the last minute and I was bewildered to say the least! The second factor was PRESSURE.When I had my first two children they were fairly close together (2 years) and so I didn't have school runs, after school clubs etc etc. So I used to have any amount of time to get out in the morning (or not-depending on the day!)There just didn't seem to be anything to rush for.But when I had my third baby,I already had one child at school and one at pre-school nursery.So I had to be quick in the morning to get them both to the school and nursery on time, then I had to go back at dinner time to fetch my middle one from nursery and then back to the school again at 3 to fetch my oldest. Add to that going back to work when baby was 4 months old and HEY PRESTO!!!!
Anyway I hope this helps with your research, Veritee.
Annie xx
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Post by AC on May 14, 2004 7:36:22 GMT
My biggest factor in getting pni was the lack of support from my partner which was partly due to the fact that we had been on our own for 11 years and only had to think about ourselves.
My traumatic birth at treliske hospital,having tried to deliver naturally then having to have an emergency casarean followed by a major blood transfusion.
Feeling robbed of the natural delivery and not being able to see my son being born,how do i know he was mine ? i never saw him arrive in the world.
having the extra strain of trying to recover after the caesarean,aswell as look after a newborn baby,with very little help.
Feeling angry and bitter towards new mothers showing of their beautiful day old babies,knowing that i didnt go outside the door for 4 weeks after my son was born.
The feeling of complete isolation,thinking that i would never be able to cope with this little baby,i said to my partner many times,that i would rather have 20 Jack Russells than 1 baby !!
Im sure my list could go on and on,but i think the ones i have spoke about are by far the biggest factors for me.
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Post by flashjack on Jul 8, 2004 23:46:26 GMT
Hi Everyone!! I posted responding to your question about this issue while a guest.I think there are so many issue's for me it was a mixture of issue's past and not realizing the affect it would have on me after son was born. Then it was also the responsibility of the role as a mother and wanting to be supermum when all a child want's really is us-they have no expectations they dont care if the house is a bit hectic. Today there are so many issues involved in raising a child it can be extremely daunting knowing what to do for best-I think the only thing you can do is well do your best trial and error no book can actually give you the Answer -Just do your best and believe me you will get through this and your child wont remember the blue's. My son went through traumatic time or so i thought -but honestly a child's memory when young flitter's . I was in hospital after he was born and 3 times after last was after daughter was born since year 2000 i have not been in since. Good luck everyone!! and congrats to you Veritee for this site! I too have used my dilemma with postnatal depression and then manic depression which is more hyperactivity ! To help others with the illness and started board up on this and i am also a volunteer helping others with the illness. Good luck everyone keep going The rewards are the the affection i see in my children's eyes and the love i have for them makes everything worthwhile
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Post by Catherine on Nov 1, 2004 20:36:18 GMT
Hi All, My biggest factor was, without a doubt, months and months of sleep deprivation. Throughout the pregnancy due to being uncomfortably huge and going to the pee every five minutes all night long, and then after my son was born, feeding through the night and trying to settle both baby and my tiny 2 year old daughter,again, throughout the night. I was, after all those months of sleep loss, a neurotic and bedraggled mess, and got to the point where I was losing touch. As soon as my son started sleeping through the night at a year old, I started to recover. Sleep is crucial for good mental health. Catherine
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Post by annag on Nov 16, 2004 14:37:40 GMT
My biggest factor in getting PNI twice has to be hormonal. With my first child I was fine and may have had minor depresion but nothing to consult a doctor about. With my second child I had an excellent pregnancies and he was a much wanted planned baby. I breast fed for eight months and as soon as I stopped my periods returned and I became ill. I was prone to violent mood swings very dark thoughts and severe anxiety particularly in the 10 days proceeding my period. I took dothiepin for 2 years stopped taking it seemed fine so tried for baby number three (my husband took alot of persuading). Now a few weeks ago I stopped breast feeding exclusively and began mixed feeding. To the day I had a return of a light period my anxiety problems and mood swings started again. I have never felt better in my life as I do when pregnant and I believe this is because of a hormonal shift.
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