Anything I can do to prepare?

[HappiLeigh]

I'm 24 weeks pregnant and feeling fine right now. I struggle with anxiety off and on, but have only had one episode of anxiety/panic during my pregnancy. Usually (pre-preg) a few days on Xanax, some attention to my mental state (sit and think through what's really causing this, etc.), and a couple stand-by books that I find helpful pull me through. The episode during my pregnancy, thankfully, passed on its own with just a little attention from me since I couldn't take the Xanax. However, it got me worried about PPD/anxiety. Is there anything I can do in these last months of my pregnancy to prepare myself for the post-partum life that can help me avoid or lessen the effects of PPD? I don't want to borrow trouble, but I feel like thinking some of this through will remove anxiety ABOUT post-partum anxiety, thus improving the whole situation. Does that make sense? Any advice?

[loudmama]

Do whatever needs to be done to make sure you feel taken care of. That sounds vague, but it depends on each person. Really sleep when the baby sleeps. If people want to see baby, make sure that they know they need to help out, not expect you to entertain. Hire a post partum doula if you can. As soon as you are up to it, get out of the house. Find a Mom & baby group in your area. Ask for help when you need it. If someone can make you meals, have them do it.

Those are my thoughts for now....

L

[Ruthla]

Originally Posted by loudmama

Do whatever needs to be done to make sure you feel taken care of. That sounds vague, but it depends on each person. Really sleep when the baby sleeps. If people want to see baby, make sure that they know they need to help out, not expect you to entertain. Hire a post partum doula if you can. As soon as you are up to it, get out of the house. Find a Mom & baby group in your area. Ask for help when you need it. If someone can make you meals, have them do it.

:

Nutrition also plays a huge roll. Make sure you don't "forget" to eat or drink enough. B vitamins help a lot with stress, and "good fats" help with all kinds of stuff, particularly depression and mental clarity. You might want to start taking a good B complex in additon to your prenatal supplement (unless there's already a lot of B vitamins in your current supplement) plus supplement with fish oil (or a vegetarian alternative if you don't eat fish for moral reasons.) There isn't much of an issue of mercury in fish oil- the mercury tends to be concentrated in the flesh, not the oil.

[Pat-a-Cake]

How to prepare for motherhood? I believe it is learning how to take care of yourself. You are the most important person in the household, believe it or not. If mama is doing well then everyone else will do well. I've had to learn this the hard way. I've never known how to take care of myself. I always thought I could keep going, pounding away at myself.

I have PPD now and it was quite terrifying to find that I have a limit. As difficult as this experience is, still is, it is going to be whole new life for me. A much better life.

I matter too, not just my children. Mothers need to be mothered too. You will give your baby your milk but you also have to give yourself milk. Take time to find out what milk is for you, if you don't know already, and plan for ways to include time for you in your days. People always say it but it is crucial.

Congratulations! Motherhood is fantastic! My children give me so much joy and love. It isn't just a one-sided relationship, they give so much in return, even newborns, internalize that.

It's great that you're preparing already. You're well on your way.

By the way, I was recommended to read a book regarding panic/anxiety. I haven't finished it but it is helping already. It is called "Hope and Help for your Nerves" by Dr. Claire Weekes. You might want to give it a try.

Take care. :