Hi there! New here with a newborn and a 32 month old.

[BlessedMommy2006]

Hi, my name is Ruth and I'm mom to Hannah, 32 months, and Micah, 6 weeks.
I had PPD after Hannah and as a result, this time I set out to do everything under the sun to prevent a re-occurance, anywhere from recruiting armies of help after the birth, to eating my placenta, to supplementing with nutritional supplements, and so on.

I, praise God, am not depressed at this point, although we have had some ups and downs, such as a bad case of the flu at 3 weeks postpartum and am just getting over a case of mastitis.

I wanted to join this forum because I personally need all the help that I can get, and want to continue to avoid PPD.

Also, I thought that my experience with the placenta, as well as other things might be a help to others.

[rclaz]

Hi Ruth,
So what is your secret recipe so far for sidestepping PPD with Micah? I'm pregnant with #2, and am nervous about PPD again after I give birth in August.
Rebecca

[BlessedMommy2006]

Hi Rebecca! Well, here's my list of things that I made to do pre-birth, that may give you some idea of how to plan. Honestly, one thing that helps though, to sidestep depression is having two kids! Since my toddler needs me to be up and doing things, I don't have as much time to lie around.

So here's a modified version of my list that I made pre-birth:
1) Use multiple preventative natural remedies (discussed with my midwife) like St. John's Wort, Vitamin D-3, continue prenatal vitamins, and consume my entire placenta after birth in smoothies. Focus on nutritional support for myself and extremely high quality food, even if it raises the food bill for awhile. (I'm taking flax oil daily in addition to the other supplements mentioned)

2) Get TONS of help. DH is off for paternity leave for 2 full weeks, and then in March, my mom is coming for 2 weeks, as well. I'm hoping that baby comes on February 22, then I would have a month of continuous help. After my help disappears, we're tenatively planning on hiring a housecleaning lady to come in once a week for the first 6-12 months or so, and I'm going to utilize my MIL to watch my older daughter every chance I get.

3) Prepare tons in advance. Stock up tons of paper plates so that we don't have to bother with much dishes. The freezer is getting stocked with easy to make food such as gluten free vegan burgers, GF pizza, spelt bread, teff wraps, etc. I have a bunch of cereal bought up for the birth too. That way all my DH really needs to buy at the store is fruit, vegetables, and soymilk.
Stock up on diapers, wipes, etc. for the baby. Don't attempt to start using and laundering cloth diapers until the first month is past.

4) Have very low expectations the first month. Try not to go out and make long trips or overdo things. Focus on taking care of the baby and myself.

5) Connect with a postpartum support group specifically to help moms to adjust and cope.

6) Seek professional help from a trained counsellor, ASAP, if needed.

7) Once things are stable at home, work on establishing connections with others and getting out for fun times with other moms.

[rclaz]

Thanks, Ruth! That all sounds doable...except the placenta part. How did you do that? I'm not sure I can do it??

[BlessedMommy2006]

We just cut it into pieces and blended it into smoothies with fruit. It was really yummy.