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Feedback Wanted From Mothers Suffering From A Mental Illness

1 posts on this thread and the last post was on February 2nd, 2006 10:18 PM
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anna - February 1st, 2006 10:47 AM
 [Original Post]

My husband and I want to get pregnant this year. I am 33 years old. Due to my medical history I am considering a C-section. Past and present medical conditions include arthritis, vulvitis, hemorrhoids and most importantly Borderline Personality Disorder. Due to this condition I experience a lot of feelings of anxiety, grief and anger. I am on meds and in therapy for this condition.I would like to receive feedback from mothers that battle(d) a mental illness and their personal experience with pregnancy and delivery ;either vaginal birth or C-section. Non judgemental, informative feedback is appreciated.


To Anna - February 2nd, 2006 10:18 PM

Hi Anna, you have a lot to consider. I have GAD/PTSD and was very concerned about labor and delivery. I had lengthy discussions with my OB about the stress and pressure of labor. To my surprise, my doctor informed me that the increased amount of anesthesia required to perform the cesarean was more of a threat to my composure than the labor/delivery. Also, one needs higher doses of pain medication after the surgical birth and as you may have experienced, those meds are anxiety inducers in many people. I had a very calm, dimly lit environment, with minimal stimulation and intrusion during my labor. Only three people besides my husband and the anesthesiologist (for the epidural) ever touched me or came into my room, the doctor and the two nurses who stayed on after their shift ended to assist me in my son's birth. You should discuss your particular case with an OB during a pre-conception office visit and see if those issues are similar to my experience. My son is now 6 months old, and I had him after a hardworking, but totally satisfying, 13 hour labor and vaginal birth. I am ready to do it again as the conquest of birthing my own child has IMPROVED my mental health! Best wishes!