Becoming a parent when you have a pre-existing mental health condition

It’s normal to think about your past during your pregnancy and early parenthood. For some, this can include experiences that may have been upsetting.

If you’re:

• Actively managing your mental health now
• Coping well with good self-care, but have a history of mental health difficulties 

You may be wondering how you’ll manage the ups and downs of pregnancy and parenthood.

The good news is that many people with a personal history of mental health challenges become parents and have a positive experience during pregnancy and early parenthood.

The key is being prepared. 

It is important that you seek help sooner rather than later. This way you can be given the right support and treatment. Your mental health and wellbeing are a priority.

People with a wide range of mental health and wellbeing challenges become parents every day.

Some of these challenges include:

• Anxiety symptoms and conditions including post-traumatic stress, OCD and panic
• Mood symptoms and conditions like depression and bipolar
• Schizophrenia and related disorders
• Eating disorders 
• Self-harm and suicide thoughts/behaviours
• Neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and autism spectrum disorder
• Sleep-wake disorders like insomnia
• Neurocognitive disorders
• Gender dysphoria
• Substance use disorders 
• Bereavement, including perinatal loss 
• History of childhood abuse, sexual assault and/or family violence

Sometimes the perinatal period can bring up feelings that are deeply buried.

Pregnancy and childbirth bring big changes but being aware of these changes can make all the difference. 

Some of the changes you will experience include:

• Mental health and wellbeing
• Hormones
• Body (including appetite, energy levels, libido, appearance and mobility)
• Daily routine
• Sleep
• Responsibilities
• Relationships

It's important to look ahead by creating a support plan for yourself.

This may look different for different people but could include:

• If you think you might be pregnant, or you are actively planning a pregnancy see your healthcare providers as soon as possible to start your pregnancy care including discussing safe medications, managing potential triggers and what to do if your mental health gets worse and you need more support.
• Reconnecting with people who helped you in the past, such as your counsellor or other healthcare providers.
  Finding a new counsellor or healthcare provider if you don’t currently have one who you connect with and feel understands you.
• Speaking to your midwife to discuss ideas that may help you such as staying in hospital an extra night post birth, having a midwife visit you at home post birth or having a dedicated midwife support you throughout pregnancy.
• Considering what type of birth may suit you best (Public and private hospitals support most birth preferences and options).
• If you have a partner, discuss what you think will help you best after the birth, for example, time off work or limiting visitors in the first few days or weeks.
• Choosing to undertake a hospital visit (where possible) before the birth so you can familiarise yourself with the environment.
• Plan for how you can continue to prioritise your wellbeing once you have the baby.

Please reach out to PANDA’s free National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline 1300 726 306 9am – 7.30pm Mon – Friday (AEST/AEDT).