Thoughts on Postpartum Depression in the final two weeks

Here I am in the last two weeks of this pregnancy and I would be naive not to reflect on the possibilities of postpartum depression.  I am, after all, at risk. However, I am also more informed than I was last time - and I'm counting on this knowledge to be of help.

When Noah was born, I was completely blindsided by this illness.  For the first few weeks I thought it was normal to hate being a mom, to feel like my life was ruined, to feel totally and utterly overwhelmed and incapacitated.  I didn't seek help for 5 months, and didn't find help until 9 months later.  That is a LONG time to be in a place of despair and survival.  

As mentioned, having had it once I am at risk for it happening a second time.  

But it is a risk and not a guarantee.  

So we are praying for NO PPD this time around.  Will you join us?  

We are preparing for it just in case.  We will have postpartum assistance the first few months and no qualms about calling a Dr. or starting medication.  We will not be naive again. 

However, we are asking God for mercy and grace, and we are sincerely praying that He protect our family from this illness.  It would be amazing to experience our daughter with joy and excitement and not anxiety and fear.

So please pray with us in these final days that we would experience what roughly 85% of all other mommies and daddies experience - a depression and anxiety free 1st year with our beautiful little girl and her amazing big brother.

Thank you!

Kim and Darren