Getting ready for another baby can be exciting, but if you’ve experienced Pregnancy or Postpartum Depression (PPD) or Pregnancy or Postpartum Anxiety (PPA) before, it’s natural to feel worried. It can be overwhelming to think about possibly facing those feelings again and you’re not alone in having these concerns. Many women who have gone through PPD or PPA share the same hesitations about getting pregnant again. I have found that knowledge, preparation and connecting early with a maternal mental health specialist like myself can help ease some of these fears.
Understanding what might occur and preparing yourself can make a big difference. You can look at early signs of PPD and PPA, set realistic goals, and plan ways to manage any anxiety or depression if they appear. By creating a strong support network around you, you’re giving yourself a better chance to manage the ups and downs that might come your way. Let’s explore how you can assess your risk and get ready for this important life step.
Assessing Your Risk: Chances of Experiencing Postpartum Depression or Anxiety Again
If you’ve had postpartum depression or anxiety before, you could be wondering how likely it is to experience it again. Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression with a first child affects about 1 in 7 new moms but if you’ve had maternal depression before, the Cleaveland Clinic reports that your risk increases to 30% each pregnancy. There is a lack of research on Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety but we do know that it affects 10-20% of women and a history of anxiety prior to becoming a mom is an important risk factor too.
Not everyone who had PPD or PPA once will go through it again but if you had a difficult time with either before, it’s natural to be concerned about if it will happen again. Every pregnancy is unique though, and each situation brings its own challenges.
Here are some reasons you might experience PPD or PPA with one baby but not another:
– Premature delivery or baby in the NICU
– Issues with breastfeeding
– A colicky or fussy baby
– A difficult labor experience
– Health anxiety about your baby
– Lack of support from loved ones
– Financial worries
These factors aren’t always within your control and might differ from one pregnancy to another. Recognizing them helps you see why each experience can be different. If you’re worried about your risk, talking to a maternal mental health specialist like myself can help. I have specialist training, decades of experience helping pregnant and new parents, as well as published research and teaching other professionals. I can offer insights based on your history and support you in preparing for future pregnancies. It matters to stay informed, but it’s just as important to put a plan in place that puts your mental health first.
For more information read Risk Factors For Postpartum Depression & How To Get Support
Preparing for Another Pregnancy: Steps to Take Before Getting Pregnant
Being proactive about your mental health before getting pregnant again can make a big difference. Set up appointments with healthcare professionals who understand your history with PPD or PPA. This could include your primary doctor, OB/GYN, or a therapist.
Here’s a short list to help you get started:
– Schedule a preconception checkup. Talk about your past with PPD and/or PPA and raise any current concerns.
– Explore local mental health resources. Find a therapist trained in maternal mental health who can support your emotional well-being through the process.
– Review your medications. If you took medication during or after your last pregnancy or postpartum experience, your doctor may want to adjust it depending on your plans.
Putting these pieces in place before pregnancy or early on helps you feel more stable. When you’re aware and prepared, it gives you room to focus on the joy and responsibilities of a new baby.
Strategies to Lower Your Risk: Tips for a Healthier Pregnancy and Postpartum
There isn’t a guaranteed way to prevent pregnancy or postpartum depression or anxiety, but there are some strategies that may help and give you a sense of control:
– Get enough rest. Sleep helps your brain manage stress and supports emotional regulation. Rest when you can and accept help from those around you so you’re not running on empty.
– Limit stressful activities. Learn small ways to pause and reset. Whether you’re journaling for a few minutes, listening to music, or sitting in the sun, give yourself space to breathe.
Doing what you can to take care of your health before and after pregnancy has a real impact. Even small changes can help your body and mind better cope with the demands of a growing family.
This article has many strategies that can help prevent pregnancy anxiety and depression and it is good to start looking after your mental health before you actually have your baby How To Prevent Pregnancy Anxiety & Depression.
Many women experience anxiety at the thought of having a second child if they had a difficult childbirth, or experienced a postpartum mood disorder that affected their experience of being a mom. Therapy can be a powerful way to address and overcome tokophobia. Read Understanding Tokophobia for more information.
Building a Support System: How to Ensure You Have the Help You Need Before and After Birth
Support is key when you’re thinking about growing your family after experiencing PPD. A strong network increases the chances of staying steady and supported, even when things get tricky.
Try the following:
– Talk to your loved ones about your experience. Let them know how depression or anxiety affected you so they can understand what signs to look for if you need extra support.
– Build a support network. Tell trusted friends or family members about your previous experience. Talk with them about being available emotionally and practically after the baby comes.
You could share this article with family and friends so they can be aware of how they can potentially be of help. How To Support A New Mom Who Is Struggling With Postpartum Depression.
– Join support groups. Talking to others who’ve been through similar things can give you comfort. These groups, whether local or online, offer a safe space for sharing and learning.
– Plan for practical help. Ask someone you trust to assist after the baby arrives. A postpartum doula, family member, or neighbor can help lighten your load with chores or holding the baby during rest time.
Having these plans in motion before the baby comes creates structure. It also makes it easier to ask for help without feeling like you’re placing a burden on others.
Moving Forward: Making the Decision That’s Right for You and Your Family
Choosing whether to have another baby is a personal decision. It’s okay to feel unsure. It’s okay to need time. Reflect on what you’ve learned from your earlier experience and think about how you feel now.
Keep these thoughts in mind:
– It’s your decision and your timeline.
– Be honest with yourself and your partner about your goals, fears, and comfort level.
– You don’t need to rush.
Whatever you decide, give yourself grace. This isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about doing what feels right for you. With preparation, information, and the right support, you can feel more confident facing what’s ahead. We’re here to help guide you through each step.
If you’re thinking about trying for another baby and want to feel more confident in your decision, take some time to explore the articles on my Pregnancy & Postpartum Blog. I am here to support you in planning for a healthier, more prepared experience with your next pregnancy.
Dr. Sarah Allen has 25+ years of experience in private practice helping women to transition to being the mom they want to be. She is the Founding Director of the statewide non-profit Postpartum Depression Alliance of IL. She also specializes in pregnancy loss & infertility & has published research on postpartum depression and traumatic childbirth.
If you would like to work with Sarah, please phone her at 847 791-7722 or on the form below.
If you would like to read more about me and my areas of specialty, please visit Dr. Sarah Allen Bio. Dr. Allen’s professional license only allows her to work with clients who live in IL, FL & the UK and unfortunately does not allow her to give personalized advice via email to people who are not her clients.
Dr. Allen sees clients in person in her Northbrook, IL office or remotely via video or phone.
What Can I Read That Helps Me While I Am Waiting For My First Appointment With Sarah?
If you feel that you may be experiencing pregnancy or postpartum mood disorder, or worry that you may be at risk of developing it, please download my free booklets below.
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