Pregnancy and Postpartum

If she has full time help for several weeks, it will be a huge help to her and her hubby. Neither one of them should be dusting or cleaning toilets - since that can be done by anyone-I'm sure their friends can bring food, run errands, etc. It makes people happy, when they can do something practical. If Emily is going to breast feed, make sure she has a lactation consultant close by or a friend who has already nursed her kids.

Sleep when the baby sleeps

I shouldn't have had children. I didn't know about the mood disorders and alcoholism that runs in both sides of the family. If I had been told and had the opportunity to educate myself on these diseases, no way would I have chosen to have children and pass this pain onto someone else.

It is possible to go through the post-partum depression/wierdness, without help or meds. I did it - it was hard - ( LOTS of prayer ) but it wasn't until our second daughter was born that the physician said, 'I think you need help'

Since Emily hasn't shown any symptoms, her mood should remain stable, other than the normal hormone shifts a new mother has.

You are Blessed to be this close to having a grandchild. When our first Granddaughter was born, it was a spiritual experience for me. Our child's child.

Continued Blessings and Healing to you, M

Congrats on becoming a Granddad. 

Yes, your daughter will need all the help she can get from anyone willing to help out.  I didn't have so much help, it was rough going, and wasn't allowed for the most part to sleep much or sleep when the baby slept but... I made it through. 

If she can get some folks to help her clean, wash laundry, run errands and what not while she tends to the baby..  it will make a easier time for her to adjust for the first 6 weeks anyway.  That also means Granddad's help as well...

The pregnancy & labor will take a lot out of her.  The hormones will shift and sway.  It's best to have her as rested and stress free as possible for any and all concerned. 

There is truth in the saying "If momma is happy, everyone is happy." 

Like you, I had my daughter before being diagnosed, and I'm not sure I would have conceived her if I'd known what she could be in store for.  I'd yet to have my big monster crash, and didn't yet know the full extent of pain bipolar can create--and the challenges and failures of being a mother with this disease.  I watch my daughter carefully for signs, hoping that sleep disturbances and listnessness are just teenage stuff.  I worry that growing up with me has harmed her terribly.  And, this is a disease I'd hesitate to give to Hitler, and the knowledge that I may have transmitted it to the person I love most in the world is horrifying. 

But all in all, I wouldn't go back in time and stop her conception.  Here she is, beautiful, funny, smart, and if she ends up being bipolar or unipolar, then I'll be there for her in a way that my mother never could.

I'm also pregnant, in my second trimester, and, for me, pregnancy has brought a welcome reprise from all my bipolar symptoms.  I've had a terrible couple of years of rapid cycling and damaging manic episodes, but within a couple weeks of being pregnant my head cleared and the mood swings stopped.  I don't know if this is common in pregnancy, but I'm taking it when I can.  With my psychiatrists supervision I have come off all but one med, which I take to make sure my sleep stays regular.  For me, pregnancy has been such a gift and a welcome reprise from the struggles and pain associated with being bipolar.  I know I run a higher risk for problems post-partum, but we've already begun putting safety nets in place and establishing a great support network.

best of luck and congratulations on becoming a grampa!

My parents say it's the best job in the world...

I am in my second trimester, expecting a baby boy this fall.

I had very bad PPD after my daughter was born nearly 4 years ago.

Help, support, meds and time helped me through it and I am LOVING life as a mom.

Having BP should never keep someone from following their dreams, even if they're dreams include becoming a parent.

I adore my family and I"m very excited and grateful for the chance to become a new mom again!

My only advice is to tell your daughter to get LOTS of sleep and outside air.

Don't let her fall pray to the Breast FEEDING maniacs--if it's not for her, let her k now that formula is great too!  Tell her to resist all the judgement and she'll be great!

you will too.

with respect, 

laurin