So grateful to have found this site...

[PPx2]

I suffered PP after the birth of my 1st daughter in 1988 I never even realised this is what it was until recently when I began reading about others who have experienced this condition on this site. There never was any doubt that there was something wrong with me at the time but I never remember anyone telling me it was PP. I was only 18yo at the time. I was separated from my baby and was in a psych ward until I was well enough to be back with her. I do not remember how long this was. I was only given the contraceptive pill to dry up my milk and no other meds. When I was well enough we were reunited in the mother baby unit. I went onto have 2 sons in 1992 & 1994 and did not experience PP at all. But then in 2013 after the birth of my 2nd daughter I again suffered PP at the age of 42. The second time of having PP I was given anti psychotic meds and was diagnosed with PP. I was devastated to be once again separated from my baby in a psych ward. I managed to express milk for her while I was in there so I could still breastfeed when I went back home. After I went home I then suffered depression and had to be treated with anti depressants. So I had to give up breastfeeding after all. Things got so bad I was hospitalised and separated from her again. After going back home yet again I was still not well but thankfully this time we were both sent to a mother baby unit until they changed my anti depressants and I became well. I have been 100% well for 1 year now and loving life again. At the time I did not think it was the same thing I went trough with my 1st daughter because my symptoms were different but now I am convinced it was PP both times.

[Ellie_at_APP Partner]

Hi PPx2 thanks so much for sharing your story, it's an important one - and I'm so happy you've found this forum. I too felt the same when I found it, it was so wonderful to hear others stories and realise I wasn't alone in my experience. It has been an amazing support for me. Sorry to hear that you went through a rough time with your two babies when you were 18 and recently, it is unbelievable that you didn't receive any anti psychotic meds etc the first time you had PP. I think the understanding and treatment of the illness has got better over time.

You are probably right that you have had PP twice, you will know from reading this site etc that you are at a much higher risk of PP once you have had it with one pregnancy.

I was sorry to hear that you were separated from your baby when you had PP both times. From my personal experience (I was lucky enough to be transferred straight away to a MBU) I think it's essential that mother and baby aren't separated, and from everything I hear a general psych ward is probably the worst place to be as a mum and not conducive to recovery really.

It's amazing that you have got through it, and glad to hear you're feeling really well. I too suffered from depression after PP and found that the most gruelling and awful part of the illness. I couldn't breastfeed either, it was something I really wanted to do and was just getting the hang of when I became ill.

Take care

[PPx2 in reply to Ellie_at_APP]

Hi Sunnyandwild, yes you are right being a mum with PP in a general psych ward is tough to say the least. Thank God for mother and baby units!

Thanks for your supportive words.

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello PPx2

Welcome to the forum. I'm pleased to hear that you are now well and loving life again.

I also had PP twice, in the mid-70's and early 80's, and was treated in general psychiatric wards on both occasions without my children. I had no idea what had happened to me as this time in my life was never spoken about in the family.

Thankfully, many years later, I read an article in the local press by Dr Ian Jones, researching PP, describing symptoms and asking women to contact his team. Dr Jones and a member of his team kindly visited me at home and for the first time I was openly able to describe what had happened to me, with my sister present. After viewing my medical records Dr Jones was able to confirm that I had suffered PP all those years ago. As you can imagine I was so relieved and grateful after years of wondering why, which is probably where you are after finding this site.

Thank you for sharing. Take care.

[PPx2 in reply to Lilybeth]

Hi Lilybeth,

Sorry you had to experience PP twice also and very sorry you could not speak about it in your family. That must have been tough.

[HelenMW Volunteer]

Hello there. I am glad you have found this site too! I have posted my account on here and what struck me was that my episode with my daughter was in 1988. I went on to have 2 more girls in 1996 and 1999 and had no recurrence but used progesterone therapy. I am so pleased to read that you are feeling well and loving life that is great news. There is light at the end of the tunnel!! Thanks for sharing your story and I look forward to keeping in touch. Helen

[PPx2 in reply to HelenMW]

Hi HelenMW,

wow our experiences were similar. I would like to read your story, is it on this site?