Preventative Measures (Postpartum Psychosis Part 5)

I know I keep saying this with every post, but if you’re just joining in on this “series” on postpartum psychosis, go back and read parts 1, 2, 3, and 4.

As I mentioned in the last post, I met with my psychiatrist in Chapel Hill a few months before my second child was born, and we came up with a prevention plan that turned out to be successful.  The plan was really pretty simple.

1.  I started taking Clonazepam at night before bed while I was still in the hospital.  Clonazepam is an anti-anxiety medication and he suggested I take it at night so that the drug would peak in my system during sleep, rather than during the day when I would be breastfeeding.  This medication aided me in being able to sleep through the night and helped reduce my anxiety about getting sleep.  I was advised to take it for 3 weeks, and then discontinue use.

2.  SLEEP, SLEEP,  SLEEP.  This was the most important thing in preventing a recurrence.  My husband, Jared, committed to getting up with the baby at night for the first 3 weeks (and more, if needed).  Jared and baby slept in a separate part of the house so that I wouldn’t be disturbed.  The baby was fed formula for his nighttime feedings and I went to bed around 11.  I slept through the night and fed the baby his first morning feeding (around 6 or 7).

3.  Rest and take it slow.  I didn’t let myself stress over house stuff. And, if I had tried, my husband would have stopped me!   My responsibility was to take care of my baby, and that was it.  Of course, there were times I really felt up to doing some things around the house, and so I did.  But, I didn’t push myself.  I slowed down and only did the things that I felt I had the energy to do.

I am so incredibly thankful that I was able to have a normal postpartum experience after the birth of our second child.  I wanted so badly to be able to nurse and it worked out.  I realized just how much I had missed the first time, as I enjoyed every second with my baby.  Of course, along with the joy I felt in having a normal experience, I also dealt with grief over all I missed with my first child.  I am still saddened by that loss, but am so thankful that I’ve had a second chance to experience the beauty of motherhood as it should be. I’m thrilled that I will have this opportunity once again with baby #3!

Next post:  Warning signs of postpartum psychosis.  I’ll be back!

Oh, and by the way……………

If any of you want to ask questions in the comments below, I would love to try and answer them!