Is post-partum depression more common in moms who've had a previous loss?

[Scout]

I doubt there's a study out there answering this question, so I wanted to see what your experiences were.

I've been having a sad period lately that I didn't expect to experience. I thought that once we got past our loss point in this pregnancy, that it would be smooth sailing to the end. Instead, I've been feeling a lot of renewed sadness and grief that George Henry didn't make it this far. I'm anticipating that it might be even worse after Sam is born, and we bring him home, that it might be difficult to see in this child all that we missed with our last. I know to expect Sam's homecoming to be a bittersweet time, but I wasn't sure whether this emotional difficulty will put me more at risk for PPD. Does anyone have any thoughts?

[Jennifer B]

I have nothing to base this on, but my gut says, yes, you might be at more risk. You experienced a horrible loss, and then all the pregnancy hormones, and the sleep deprivation you'll experience, and as magical and wonderful as bringing a baby home is, those first 6 wks are intense. I, personally, was not prepared for how HARD it really is. Yes, there are "those moments", but taking care of a newborn is hard work, and if you're nursing, even harder because it's all YOU.

I think it would be wise to be on the watch for signs, mention it to your dr., ,and take action quickly if you think for even the slightest second you might be depressed.

[julie]

I agree with Jennifer and I have been wondering that too. You know ever since we found out that we are having a boy I have been feeling a little sadder. It's almost for me if having the opposite sex of my loss would have been better for me. I can see myself doing the constant wondering if Anthony would have.... been like... acted like...this baby. Hang in there.

Julie

[PeggyG]

I think I felt a bit sadder than most when I brought home my subsequent son. I was so happy to bring home a baby that was alive and well, that I never prepared myself for the emotions I felt ahead. My entire pregnancy with Dillon was spent thinking about whether or not I would see him alive, I never could see past that. Once I brought him home, I became obsessed with the idea that he would die from SIDS because we somehow cheated death this time. I never mentioned how I felt to my dr and am kicking myself for not doing so. I went through these emotions until Dillon turned a year old and I knew he was out of the woods. This is just what I experienced and I'm hoping this time around I won't go through the same thing. Please talk to you dr if you feel depressed for any reason after your son comes home with you. Please don't be alarmed at why I'm saying, this is just what I experienced and we're all different.

[Angellochie]

When i booked into my hospital the midwife told me that i was considered "high risk" for post natal depression as i have had a loss before. I asked about this and was told that anyone who has had a loss, previous PND and a couple of other things that i cannot remember are automatically "high risk" watched a little more closely fr signs of PND. I was also told that the community midwife would probably visit me a couple of extra times to be sure i was okay.

At the moment i am feeling okay, i can't vouch for how i would be if i was having another boy though. I hope you girls are feeling better soon ((((((((hugs)))))))))

[Margaret]

Dear Whitney,

I'm not sure. With Em, I was just so excited to have her finally, that I was elated 24 hours a day. But you're right, with this one, I 'm just not bonding, or getting excited.

I hope not, I can't imagine being so sad with 2 on my hands.

I hope that you are starting to get excited. You're almost there!! And I'm almost 2 weeks behind you!! I can't believe it's almost here!!

Good luck. Try to enjoy this little time that you have him inside!!!

Margaret

[Viketory]

I cans see where anyone who hasn't had everything stay nice and rosy would be more at risk for depression.

In your case maybe its almost like you're at the end of a roller coaster. You had focused all of you attention on the middle and didn't even give this part much thought other than to assume that it would be perfect.

I've been feeling rather down lately too and discussed it with my doctor. I haven't had a late loss but we had a hard time conceiving , a m/c and with this pregnancy a couple of close calls. I have this growing sense of failure that I'm unable to take care of my child since I seem to need medical help at every step. I spoke with my doctor and he gave me some antidepressant samples that are fast acting. I haven't taken them yet but it helps to know that the option is there.

I think the key is to know yourself. Make sure you pay attention to your thinking and know that if your thoughts are out of character for you. Talk to your doctor and learn your options. I imagine teh birth of your son will be a time of mixed feelings for you so its smart to think about it now.

[Hop Devil]

Yes, it is more common. See this link http://www.postpartumstress.com/ppd_risk_assessment_during.html Karen Kleiman used to be the PPD expert on SN. I suffered from PPD after the birth of my twins and saw Karen myself for treatment. I also saw her after Luke died. She tells me that having had a loss does increase the risk for PPD.

[Scout]

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful replies.

[franros]

I have been told that the birth of a subsequent child can often cause a resurrence of feelings of grief for the child lost. I don't know if i would call it PPD or not (but I guess it doesn't really matter what you label it-it still feels the same). I would be so happy with Jilly one minute and then feel like crying the next, thinking "this is what it was supposed to be like with Ben." Also sometimes we see resemblences between the two and it makes me sad that she will grow up without her older brother. I would definitely watch yourself for depression after Sam is born. It is normal anyway to have a bit of it, with all the hormones and all, we just have other reasons to get it as well.