Would you consider a 3rd?

[DEb12W]

Two beautiful healthy kids (now aged 6 and 2), two horrible experiences of PPP. Interested in discussing the possibility or foolishness of considering a 3rd child for our precious family?

I'm in Sydney, Australia so health systems differ, the illness does not!

[susanmartin]

I had PPP after my first child then was fine after number two. I then went on to have an episode of mania after a very very traumatic event in my life. We decided to go for number three. I didn't have PPP, however I did suffer a bipolar episode 6 months later. I was then well for the next 15 years then had a relapse last year after another traumatic event. Despite this I am so glad we had number three and am actually really glad we didn't have the statistics available nowadays or we almost certainly wouldn't have. My daughter is an absolute delight and was more than worth being ill for. Good luck with your decision.

[DEb12W in reply to susanmartin]

Thanks, do you think preparation and planning helped or was it just luck of the illness?

[susanmartin in reply to DEb12W]

information in these days was quite limited. I did see a psychiatrist before giving birth but it we didn't get much advice on how to avoid been ill again. After my 2nd son was born we kept things very quiet and i didn't have any visitors for a few days.My parents looked after my two year old for an extra few days after I got home from hospital so we could concentrate on the new baby and allow me to rest. After my third child i did have a very slight wobbly the night she was born but the hospital allowed my husband to stay in my room overnight with me. Unheard of in these days. I was fine for 6 months after she was born then became ill with manic depression. Not sure if this was related to her birth or not. It is a very difficult decision to make to have a third child but i certainly haven't regretted it for even one minute. Good luck with your decision. I 'm sure whatever decision you make will be the correct one. x

[Ellie_at_APP Partner]

Hi thanks for your post. I only have one child so I don't have much experience myself. I just wanted to direct you to the guide for planning pregnancy if you are at risk of PP on the APP website if you haven't seen it already app-network.org/wp-content/...

I know you are in Australia but I'm sure most of the information in there will be relevant and helpful.

I wish you luck with the decision, I know how hard it is to try and make a decision about whether to have more children after PP

[Sarah2015]

I had a second and feel blessed. I'm with Susanmartin in that I don't regret it for a moment. I'm too scared (and probably too old) to consider a third but if your partner is supportive and you feel it's right then I wish you the best of luck.

On a slightly more down-beat note; my psychiatrist pointed out that my eldest would be very aware of what was happening if anything did go wrong With a six year old I suppose it is a consideration.

[DEb12W in reply to Sarah2015]

This is something people often raise with me, that it wouldn't be fair on the other children, because they would see and understand more, they would miss me when in hospital etc.

But I wonder if when they're 17,14 and 10 they would ever wish that the youngest hadn't come?