My wife has finally been given medication for her post partum psychosis, her behaviour was getting quite strange at times and it gradually got worse over time. Eventually the health visitor alerted the authorities and they took action, it was hard to watch since we had the baby at home when they came to take my wife to the hospital.
Apart from helping my wife as much as I can, would any members be able to give any tips and advice?
I have never experienced a partner having psychosis before , being asked if I was a spy and how many people I had killed each day took its toll along with abuse here and there. B.t.w, I have never killed anyone, I work for an electrical company and we work hard to prevent electrocution
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Adventurebee85
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Congratulations on the birth of your baby I am so sorry your wife is suffering from postpartum psychosis, such a traumatic illness.
I had pp in 2018 after the birth of my daughter and also spent some time in hospital away from my baby. My husband at the time was a huge support for me as I am sure you are being for your wife, but it is such a extreme illness that it is very normal to feel helpless and out of your depth. I also accused my husband of outrageous things, it was the illness speaking making me so confused to act so out of character.
In terms of advice, what I can say is that your wife is safe and looked after now. Be a presence for her as often as you can. I know it is hard, but a hospital will be a very unfamiliar and sometimes frightening place, so you being there can bring her a feeling of reassurance, even though it may not look like it in the beginning.
As traumatic and severe as postpartum psychosis is, her prognosis will be good, many mums in this forum are a testimony that you can recover from this illness and go on to live a very fulfilling life. Take it a day at a time at the moment and keep on talking to the doctors and nurses caring after your wife. I also wanted to point you to a really helpful guide for partners of mum's affected by this illness, it can be found here:
I am so very sorry that your wife is suffering with Postpartum Psychosis, it is such a shock and trauma for her and for you too. I am so glad that you have found APP, they were such a help to me and my daughter when she also became ill with PP, she is well now. Your wife with the right treatment and time can become well too, as Maria and other brave, kind sharing Mums with lived experience are testament. Sadly recovery can take time and be up and down. I wonder if you have Mother and Baby Units there, they can prove to be so very helpful in recovery. I remember feeling helpless in my daughter’s suffering but please don’t underestimate how much it will mean that you’re there for your wife and taking care of your baby. I know it meant such a lot to my daughter that her husband and family were there for her. Also we took in photographs, a favourite cardigan, favourite little things to remind her, perhaps that may be something. I do hope you have family and friends helping and supporting.
Congratulations on your precious little baby. Wishing your wife well soon. Take care of you too.
Thank you for your kind words and advice. They don’t have a local MBU so I have been looking after our daughter with the help of my mother and mother in-law. Children are not allowed in the hospital here, plus hospitals are full of germs and our daughter has not had all her vaccines yet. I’ll be sure to post in here with an update in a months time.
Welcome, and thank you for reaching out here - I hope you'll find lots of helpful information and support. I'm very sorry your wife is suffering from postpartum psychosis but glad to hear that she is now receiving treatment.
I had PP after my first son was born in 2012. It was such a shock for everyone and a frightening time, but I recovered well. Hopefully you'll see signs of improvement in your wife soon - it can take a bit of time to find the right balance of medication but please be reassured that with the right support and treatment she can make a full recovery and the illness is temporary.
As well as the guide that Maria has shared, there is information on APP's website that I hope will be helpful - app-network.org/get-help/su...
For me, my husband was the only person I trusted when I was unwell. He was a consistent, steady presence - telling me things would be ok, and that it was important that I took the medication they were giving me. Your wife may not be able to take much in at the moment but in time this will improve. Some things from home may bring her comfort while she's in hospital and I hope you'll be able to visit regularly with your baby. If your baby is at home with you, do take lots of photos.
Make sure you look after yourself too, it's such a difficult time - do you have good support from family and friends?
Take good care and do write here with any questions, we're here to listen. You will get through this.
Hello Jenny, Thank you for your story and advice, I know know that the illness is not for life and can be cured. I have family in the UK where I am from but not here in Italy. We are in Italy for my wife’s job but once our daughter is a few years old, we will need to settle in one place as too much change is not good for children. I’ll post on here in 1 months time with an update.
I appreciate the courage it took for you to post here. I had PP over 20 years ago. At the time, PP was even less understood and recognized than it is today, and I was misdiagnosed. My husband had not studied much in the medical or psychiatric realm and had no idea what was happening. I hid much of it from him and became extremely withdrawn. He felt concerned and confused but did not know what to do. We did not have good access to psychiatric care.
I agree with others to read about your wife’s condition and try to understand it to the extent that you can. Be a dependable and patient partner. Help with the baby and with the household chores as much as you are able. Enlist the help of family members. I think above all else, be patient and realize that your wife is not herself right now, literally. Psychosis turns you into someone you are not. She will change back but it may take quite a long time, perhaps years. Take care of yourself too, exercise and have friends to talk to. Best wishes from the USA.
Thank you for your positive words, I really appreciate them. My wife will be released from hospital soon and I will do my best to be there for her and our daughter.
I’m sure it will be some time before she returns to some normality, but with time I hope everything improves.
Congratulations on the birth of your daughter. It is such a shame that such joy should be tarnished by your wife being so unwell but as you have said it is a temporary illness, and she will recover.
I had PP twice many years ago, treated under mixed general psychiatric care when there were no mother and baby units. So I was separated from my babies (six years apart) and like you, at the time my husband cared for them, supported by family. It must have been such a strain for him, balancing work, home and hospital visits. So please remember to take care of yourself.
I wonder if your wife is now home from hospital? I had weekend visits home before going home for good. At first I did feel like a fish out of water, quite anxious and apprehensive about being able to care for my sons but as time went on my confidence returned.
You have already had some helpful links here. I’m mindful that you are in Italy but wonder if you will be able to access ‘PP Soup’ at ppsoupdotcom.wordpress.com put together by a mum who suffered PP with input by other mums and professionals. Described as “a nourishing mix of all things Postpartum Psychosis”
Also Postpartum Support International at postpartum.net might be helpful. Although Italy isn’t listed on the international support page, if you scroll down there are links under ‘Find Support’ there.
We are all here for you. It is an uncertain time for you. Please be reassured that with good medical care and your loving support your wife will be well again as she continues her recovery at home with your precious daughter. With every good wish 🌻
Here again Adventurebee85 …… If you are able to access ‘PP Soup’ please take care listening to the BBC Radio4 Woman’s Hour radio documentary where women talk about their traumatic experiences. Thinking of you and your family.
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