What were your experiences of PP and of treatment for PP?

[jess_at_app]

Tell us about your experiences of PP and the treatment you received - what were the good and bad parts of your care for PP?

[openeyes]

It was such a shock and happened so fast childbirth to MBU in less than a week. I was very unwell out of touch with reality and did not know I was ill. The sense of being out of control and being expected to accept others definition of reality made me feel like I had lost myself and the whole experience did impact on my sense of identity. More psychological support to come to terms with what had happened would have been good as I somehow felt weak and to blame for some time after. They treated me with typical anti-psychotics which had horrible side effects but didn't bring me back to earth. Next was the ECT. I did not want this treatment but had it anyway even though I wasn't detained as I felt pressured. While this made me well a again this had a huge psychological impact on me. I know I was lucky to go to a MBU near home but it was heartbreaking to watch other people care for my baby as I was not well enough to do so myself. I think the best support and treatment was the right maintenance medication afterwards and a wonderful midwife.

[darleneagray in reply to openeyes]

Sense of Identity: Maslov's Hierarchy of Needs is not met during the postpartum period, especially for those of us who had buried abuse and/or trauma in our unknown pasts. Those unknowns are the basis for how well we are diagnosed and/or treated when our realities do not concur with those who think they know what's wrong - when in fact, they no very little if ECT is the second choice for treatment after anti-psychotic administration. Talk about a dire need for re-training all caregivers. God Bless You and know that you are definitely not alone - and not feeling alone and having someone who will listen without judgment is the best, first step any of us mothers can take.

[darleneagray]

Is thyroid level testing done as part of preparing to be pregnant or a new Mom? Thyroid screenings are not recommended until the age of 35 for women and both men and women can have a psychotic break based on low thyroxine levels.