Tamworth Post Natal Depression Support Group

Falling pregnant was a complete surprise, a pleasant surprise but not one I had planned. I waited patiently for the rosy glow to happen so that I could start enjoying being pregnant, but instead I developed Symphis Pubis Dysfunction (a separation of the pelvic bone) and ended up on crutches. I found myself resenting the bump that was growing inside me because of the intense pain that I was suffering; I was unable to stand or walk without help and found myself hating the bump for the almost unbearable pain that IT was causing me.

Did you know that 1 in 10 women are affected by post natal depression? Mother of two, shares her experience with us...

I developed PND after the birth of my first child three years ago. On reflection, it started after the birth and continued for nearly a year. It took me about eight months to realise that I had it and it is only now that I can see what it was and how it affected my family and me.

The despair of Post Natal depression is hugely exacerbated by a continued and relentless lack of sleep. The first 5 weeks I tried to shoulder the burden of getting up in the night on my own (I was breastfeeding anyway) but it’s so draining. Once I’d asked my partner for help we started a pattern of taking turns. I felt our whole lives revolved around sleep and trying to cope with it. I became obsessed with recording how many times I’d had to get up.

A Personal Story of Postnatal Depression and Puerperal Psychosis

In 1991, aged 21, I had no idea really of Postnatal Depression. Yes, I had heard of it, but like many I thought it was something other people had. I had read all the pregnancy books and I knew it all. I had worked with children and babies.
I wouldn’t get that!
I was sure of it.
My pregnancy with my son was great. With exception of having a few panic attacks at the end of the pregnancy, all went well.
I gave birth full term on the 2nd February, 1992 after a 9 hour labour to a 7lb 4oz baby boy.