First meeting with midwife

[Jessi_D]

I just met midwife for the first time (2nd baby), it seemed like she had many years of experience, but she did not know of postpartum psychosis. I’ll have to print out some APP guides and take them with me every time I meet with my healthcare providers, as I’m at risk. Really disappointing that there are midwives that don’t know about PP, when they play such an important role in the care of mothers. Any suggestions of what else I should do, please let me know.

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello Jessi_D

I can understand how disappointing that must have been for you at your first meeting with your midwife. I think that's a good idea to take copies of the Insider Guides to any further contacts with professionals as you are aware you might be at risk. The APP frequently asked questions page might be helpful at app-network.org/what-is-pp/... with info in the penultimate question about second pregnancies. Have you been referred to a specialist perinatal Psychiatrist?

Perhaps the Second Opinion Service, which your Consultant can refer you to, might also be a way for Prof Jones to offer advice and support regarding your management at app-network.org/what-is-pp/....

I hope some of this might be helpful. There will be other mums here to offer their suggestions.

Wishing you all the best in the days ahead. Remember to take it easy when you can.

[Chick44nzrn]

Dear Jessie.yes its such a shame that this very prevalent condition is not understood by so many professionals and its true that there is still prejudice about any mental illnesses. at least that is what many of us find. This leads to those suffering trying to keep quiet abut what needs robust intervention. My advice is t give information to anybody that yoou feel needs to know , not necessarily personal information but about the conditions... how anybody can suffer from PND or PPP, and that with the right treatment and care it can be resolved.

I feel that our experiences are valuable in teaching others and the more people who know the better , as it will lead to more awareness and better vigilance for those nearest to the mothers at risk...

I now talk freely about my ppp and pnd, if its appropriate. If you have any information , dont hesitate to hand it on you will know when its the right time...

Best wishes and I hope things go very well for you in the future...Denise x

[Hidden]

Hello Jessi,

it is sad that it is still happening in 2018 in the UK.

When I gave birth to my son in 2010 my immediate care was dreadful and we struggled a lot as a family unit, especially when I got more poorly in the mixed psychiatric gender unit (sectioned).

I was offered a place for the MBU in Manchester, but we were based in the South West.

Thus, I am so grateful that mums are taking the initiatives like you in order to teach the health service and their professionals. I was misdiagnosed and suffered sleep deprivation for over one months. The after care was much more organised.

Nevertheless, I did not know of APP until the end of 2015 and only then, my cobwebs of loneliness slowly disappeared. I raised awareness of PPP and APP through my art exhibition.

Isn't it lovely to do something in order to help others!?

Anyhow, please do not forget to take care of yourself, because you and your unborn child are number one now. Even though I do not know you, but definitively a super mum.

Bye for now and the best of luck throughout your pregnancy!

x

[Jessi_D]

Thanks for your responses. I met with the Perinatal Psychiatrist who has referred me to a specialist mental health midwife, so hopefully she’ll be seeing me going forward 🙂