I suffered from PPP after the birth of first born 5 years ago, however I want to try again hopefully

[Butterfly93]

I have been looking for support and finally found the right place I’ve been reading so many stories on woman who went on to have another baby after ppp and things were positive I pray that’s the same for me I’m currently on aripirizole 5 mg but don’t want to be on medication in the first trimester I’m still waiting on the Gp to talk to the psychiatrist To see whether or not I’ll stay on medication if I decide to get pregnant or decrease the dosage

[Sally_at_APP Administrator]

Hi Ramsgetfit25,

Welcome to the forum and I am so pleased you have found us. There are lots of women on the forum who have had postpartum psychosis and gone on to have further children. So hopefully you will find some support that will be helpful for you.

We have a useful resource for women who are planning a further pregnancy after postpartum psychosis, so please take a look at this as it talks about planning, issues around medication and some support you might want to look into: app-network.org/wp-content/...

It is great your GP is speaking with the Psychiatrist. There may be a specialist perinatal mental health team that you could be referred to. They should be able to help you through any concerns you might have. Is this something your GP has mentioned to you?

Take care,

Sally x

[Butterfly93 in reply to Sally_at_APP]

Hi Sally,

The Gp hadn’t mentioned anything regarding perinatal mental health team. Hopefully when I go back for my blood results I’ll ask her about this 🤞🏾

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello Ramsgetfit25

So pleased you reached out to the forum and have already received good advice. My first son was born many years ago and PP quickly followed. As I wasn't aware of my diagnosis until years later and from my notes appear to have slipped under the radar as we moved house a few times, six years later my second son was born and unfortunately PP hit again. Thankfully I fully recovered. I'm not sure if you have read the personal experiences on the forum at app-network.org/what-is-pp/... which might relate in some way to your own experience?

As you say, you have read many stories of women who went on to have another baby after PP and things were positive, which is very true. So I don't want to sound discouraging as I think if you have good medical support and care plan in place it is possible.

Some mums who have considered second pregnancies have had excellent advice from Prof Ian Jones of APP via the Second Opinion Service at app-network.org/what-is-pp/.... Your GP or care team can refer you and there is no charge to you or the referring NHS Trust. As you will see, Prof Ian Jones and his team are based in Cardiff but it is possible to have consultations via Skype if necessary. I had the good fortune to meet Prof Ian Jones many years ago and he was very caring and reassuring.

I hope some of this is helpful and wish you the very best for the future. Welcome to this unique band of mothers of courage Take care.

[Butterfly93 in reply to Lilybeth]

Thank you so much Lilybeth , for taking the time to respond, sharing your experience and provide vital resources for me. I truly appreciate that ! I’m going in for blood tests not pregnant yet but doing health checks first x

[Lilybeth Volunteer in reply to Butterfly93]

You're very welcome Ramsgetfit25 and I hope the health checks are fine. Take care. x

[boat1]

Care us much better now. I had two pregnancies after PPP. Both had no relapse. Need a good care plan, perinatal consultant if possible. Lots of rest , esp after birth, help with night feeds is better in my opinion. They should help you in the hospital at night with baby especially if starting medication . Ask for a side room if possible for extra quiet. The planned epidural i think helped the most. Last pregnancy i took lithium last few weeks but i have history of bipolar. Things may be bit different for you. Quetiapine heloed me rest after birth. Take careful medication advise. If necessary you can take in pregnancy later stages or after birth. I took vitamjns and omega 3 throughout pregnancy too. Hope this helps

[Butterfly93 in reply to boat1]

Hi that was really insightful & helpful ! I’m so glad you went on to have two bundle of joys without relapsing x

I suffer from mild bi polar too, hence why I’m on aripirizole however I really don’t wanna be on it during the first & 2nd trimester. How was baby after taking Lithium I hear it’s a strong drug

I mean if I do end up pregnant I’ll definitely take what you send into consideration, I’ve actually been referred to the mother & infant mental health team. Gone for blood tests trying to lower my BMI even though I love food ! 🙈🙈

[boat1 in reply to Butterfly93]

I took lithium reluctantly last few weeks of pregnancy I didnt notice any problems. I stopped all medications during rest of pregnancy but this doesnt work for everyone. No one wants to accept including me lol but some medication obviously better than a relapse.

[Butterfly93 in reply to boat1]

I hear you hun, did baby come out alright xx