For all the worried and scared partners.
I would like to let all the partners out there know that there is "a light at the end of the tunnel."
My fiancée had PP when our little girl was 6 days old. I had never experienced anything like that in my life and yes I was scared, frightened, concerned, worried and in shock.
After calling the ambulance (lucky for us the paramedic recognised the symptoms) and then once my partner had been monitored, checked out (a long and tearful time) she was admitted into a mother and baby unit (very lucky that a bed was available as god only knows what would have happened)
More tears and stronger feelings of being scared, we arrived at the mother and baby unit. The staff were great from the start. Not only with my terrified partner but also with our baby and myself.
I was given the details of the PP and told what would happen with regards to their procedures. I'm not going to lie, seeing your loved one in that state of mind and not being able to help is heart breaking. You have to stay strong and positive that all will be fine. It can take days, weeks, if not months. I was relieved beyond all happiness when I arrived in the morning (I was there from 9am - 9pm daily) and my beautiful fiancée was her normal self.
The days and weeks that followed were hard as I was allowed there all the time until she had "recovered" then they monitored her with our baby and also how she was in herself.
As the time goes by, she was allowed out for a few hours, then a day out then a home visit. (It was amazing being alone with my 2 beautiful girls)
The day then came when my strong minded fiancée was told she could go home!
After home visits (these were rare as my partner was showing no signs of relasping)
Don't get me wrong it's still hard sometimes and those memories will never go away, however my beautiful partner is definitely one to be proud of.
I just want to let you know that as hard and daunting as it is, your partner will overcome this.
My top tips :- 1) Be supportive. 2) Listen. 3) Help in every day life. And most of all love her more each day.
Velvet I am so proud of you and I love you so much. As does our 19 month old little cherub xxXxx