Postpartum, that is. With DD1, I had a really rough postpartum time and struggled with PPD. This time, I definitely don't want to go through that again.

So here's my strategy for avoidance:
1) Use multiple preventative natural remedies (discussed with my midwife) like St. John's Wort, Vitamin D-3, continue prenatal vitamins, and do another alternative depression prevention therapy that I can't really list here. Focus on nutritional support for myself and extremely high quality food, even if it raises the food bill for awhile.

2) Get TONS of help. DH is off for paternity leave for 2 full weeks, and then in March, my mom is coming for 2 weeks, as well. I'm hoping that baby comes on February 22, then I would have a month of continuous help. After my help disappears, we're tenatively planning on hiring a housecleaning lady to come in once a week for the first 6-12 months or so, and I'm going to utilize my MIL to watch my older daughter every chance I get.

3) Prepare tons in advance. Stock up tons of paper plates so that we don't have to bother with much dishes. The freezer is getting stocked with easy to make food such as gluten free vegan burgers, GF pizza, spelt bread, teff wraps, etc. I have a bunch of cereal bought up for the birth too. That way all my DH really needs to buy at the store is fruit, vegetables, and soymilk.
Stock up on diapers, wipes, etc. for the baby. Don't attempt to start using and laundering cloth diapers until the first month is past.

4) Have very low expectations the first month. Try not to go out and make long trips or overdo things. Focus on taking care of the baby and myself.

5) Connect with a postpartum support group specifically to help moms to adjust and cope.

6) Seek professional help from a trained counsellor, ASAP, if needed.

7) Once things are stable at home, make and keep a play date with my friend Tracy.

Am I missing anything on this list? Any suggestions from others about transitional and preparational tips?

Mainly, I'm just expecting my transition to be very challenging, so I'm preparing accordingly. If it turns out easier, I'll be pleasantly surprised, but still glad that I was proactive in seeking help!

You know, your biggest defense...is prayer! I would specifically ask a group of close friends an family who have an active walk with Christ to be your prayer warriors! To be lifted up daily and repeatedly by people who committ to stand in the gap for you before God....it can't hurt!
Great work taking the situation by the 'horns' so to speak though! Great things you're prepping and a good outlook! One moment at a time! Surround yourself with things will bring on laughter too...rent a couple or funny movies, buy a very funny encouraging book about motherhood that encourages laughing at the overwhelming!, etc!

Thanks Breezy! Great tips.

I think you have great ideas Ruth. I had a mild case of PPD after first DS was born. For me though, the second time around was much easier. My body healed quicker and I just felt more prepared.

Ruth,

I've been praying for you! I wish you would've given birth before me. Your list would've been so beneficial to me. I had no idea how difficult life was going to be after Rebekah was born. We're still dealing with some issues that make me question if I'm really qualified to be a mom. I just recently began taking EVERYONE up on babysitting help. Although I'm a SAMH, I still have some bookkeeping responsibilities I've got to fit in. It can feel like I've got "2 babies" at times. Just recently, we started getting out more often with a friend and her little one. We go to storytime at the library and have lunch together. It has made such an improvement in my attitude!

Anyways, I think your list looks great! Take ALL of the help that you can get!

Megan
03/06/98 - Married DH
10/10/08 - Welcomed Rebekah Faith

Ruth,

I've been praying for you! I wish you would've given birth before me. Your list would've been so beneficial to me. I had no idea how difficult life was going to be after Rebekah was born. We're still dealing with some issues that make me question if I'm really qualified to be a mom. I just recently began taking EVERYONE up on babysitting help. Although I'm a SAMH, I still have some bookkeeping responsibilities I've got to fit in. It can feel like I've got "2 babies" at times. Just recently, we started getting out more often with a friend and her little one. We go to storytime at the library and have lunch together. It has made such an improvement in my attitude!

Anyways, I think your list looks great! Take ALL of the help that you can get!

Megan
03/06/98 - Married DH
10/10/08 - Welcomed Rebekah Faith

Megan, I don't think that ANYONE is qualified to be a mom in their own strength! We ALL need lots of help from the Lord and others! Prayers for you too, as you adjust to motherhood. I know that it can be very challenging at times.

I think you have great ideas Ruth. I had a mild case of PPD after first DS was born. For me though, the second time around was much easier. My body healed quicker and I just felt more prepared.

Thanks! That's good to know that your 2nd time was easier. Gives me some hope. :)

I think with prayer and that great plan you've come up with that you are preparing well Ruth.

I only suffered with PPD with one of my four pregnancies. At least for me I tend to prioritize the baby over myself and especially my marriage in the first few months post partum, but this isn't ideal. Staying emotionally close and well connected with the Lord, my dh, and some key friends seems to be very important.

I only suffered with PPD with one of my four pregnancies.

Was it after your first, or one of your subsequent pregnancies?

From one PPD sufferer to another, I am embracing you and lifting you up high Ruth. Your anxiety is valid given your PPD with Hannah. You are a fervent mother of strength in our Lord. PPD is an unexpected and horrible affliction to endure, especially for first time mommy's. It certainly takes you by surprise and makes sense why your anxiety is high right now given your new lil' one is almost here. God doesn't chose to "bless" all mommies with PPD and so trust and know He chose you in a sweet gentle way first time around with PDD and I will be praying you through when your new lil' one arrives. We both know "this too shall pass" if you have PPD again; however, for the moments you are suffering in PDD it can be extremely difficult. Just know you, your frears and anxieties are being prayed over. May the Lord bring you comfort and peace dear sister as you get ready for your new bundle of love.

From one PPD sufferer to another, I am embracing you and lifting you up high Ruth. Your anxiety is valid given your PPD with Hannah. You are a fervent mother of strength in our Lord. PPD is an unexpected and horrible affliction to endure, especially for first time mommy's. It certainly takes you by surprise and makes sense why your anxiety is high right now given your new lil' one is almost here. God doesn't chose to "bless" all mommies with PPD and so trust and know He chose you in a sweet gentle way first time around with PDD and I will be praying you through when your new lil' one arrives. We both know "this too shall pass" if you have PPD again; however, for the moments you are suffering in PDD it can be extremely difficult. Just know you, your frears and anxieties are being prayed over. May the Lord bring you comfort and peace dear sister as you get ready for your new bundle of love.

Thank you so much, sweet sister! (((HUGS)))