Maternal Fetal Medicine

[AinslW]

I have my first maternal fetal medicine appointment on Monday and I am experiencing some anxiety surrounding it. They are specialists that will be collaborating with my OB since this new pregnancy is high risk (due to 2022 late term loss and subsequent PPP, and then first trimester subchorionic hemmorhage and incarcerated uterus which as far as I know have resolved). I can’t help but think the worst at every appointment based on my loss and I also have a lot of anxiety about if and when the baby does make it having to give up breastfeeding in order to go on lithium and/or antipsychotics again. I loved breastfeeding my other two and I can’t bear the thought of having to sacrifice that, but I also know I need to be stable for my family and will do what I need to do if it came to that. Another anxiety is if I don’t go into labor on my own by 41 weeks then I will have to undergo another Cesarean section because my OB cannot induce me as a VBAC. I have a lot of fear of C sections and really want to have a natural labor and birth. I don’t really know what I’m asking. Thank you for holding space for me here as we navigate this pregnancy after PPP.

[Jocelyn_at_APP Partner APP]

Hi AinslW,

I think you have every right to be anxious, it sounds like you've been through so much, I think it's pretty normal to be feeling the way you are! All your worries are perfectly valid and show how much you care for your baby already and your love for your family

It's much easier to say than do, but maybe try focusing on the here and now, to lessen your worries now and then deal with them *if* they happen. But much easier said than actually putting into practice!

Are there any things that could help distract you a bit from these worries? Mindfulness techniques? Seeing a friend?

I hope you manage to rest before Monday and it goes ok.

We're here for you.

Jocelyn x

[RachelK_at_APP Moderator]

hi Ainslw

So glad you reached out on here, it’s definitely an anxious time in a pregnancy after pp.

I had pp after my first child in 2016 then had a second child in 2020 where I did not have pp.

I discussed medication and chose to take it straight after birth as a preventative. I took olanzapine and the doctors advised me that I could breastfeed on them.

It’s definitely worth discussing what you would be able to breastfeed on

Discuss your worries and make plans for each option you have

Take care

Rk

[Maria_at_APP Moderator]

Hi AinslW, I can only imagine the strain that an upcoming appointment means to you. Jocelyn gave excellent advise to try on focus on just the inmediate next steps, easier said than done, of course.

Perhaps take this opportunity to ask this series of questions that are worrying you at the moment. Some may not be answered yet but it can be reassuring to talk about having a discussion later on, maybe going as far as putting something in the books.

As Rkmummy I took olanzapine as well, from the last weeks of pregnancy in my case and continued after birth, and I was able to breastfeed my second baby. This is a site I used to understand the pros and cons of medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding:

medicinesinpregnancy.org/

Will be thinking of you over this weekend, take very good care

[Arabella-]

Hi there,

Hope you overcome your initial fears and manage to enjoy this special time. I had PP in 2017 but used Sertraline and Olanzapine (anti-psychotic) with my other two births and all went well.

Remember you are not alone and you have friends here hoping the very best for you.

Hugs xxxx

[RachelK_at_APP Moderator]

hi ainslw

Hope your appointment today went well

Take care

RK