Deciding whether to have another baby after perinatal mental illness

Are you or your partner worried about trying for another baby after experiencing perinatal mental illness before? Here are some things to consider when making your decision about whether or not to grow your family.

Jump to: Preconception counselling | Thinking about last time | Making your decision | Seek help early

Summary

If you’ve experienced a perinatal mental illness before, deciding whether to try for another baby can bring up a lot of emotions and concerns. This decision is deeply personal, and it’s natural to feel worried. However, with the right support and care in place, many parents go on to have positive experiences growing their families.

There some important considerations to help you feel more prepared and supported as you make this decision.

Talk to your GP or mental health team

If you’re thinking about having another baby, it’s a good idea to speak to your GP or mental health team before pregnancy. They can provide valuable guidance and may recommend preconception counselling.

Preconception counselling can help you:

• address your concerns about a future pregnancy
• create a care plan tailored to your mental health needs during pregnancy and afterwards.

Think about last time

While every pregnancy is different, reflecting on what you’ve learned from your previous experience can be helpful.

You might want to ask yourself:

• What symptoms or triggers did you notice before?
• What strategies or support worked well for you last time?

Making a list and sharing it with someone you trust, such as your partner, a close friend, or a family member, can help you feel more prepared and supported.

Making your decision

The decision to have another baby is deeply personal, and one only you and your partner (if you have one) can decide what’s right for your family. Many parents who’ve experienced perinatal mental illness go on to grow their families and have a positive experience.

With the right care in place, it’s possible to feel more prepared and confident in your decision.

Trust yourself and seek help early

You know yourself best. If you decide to try for another baby and start to notice signs that you’re feeling unwell again, don’t wait! Getting help early is key.

Hopefully you'll be under the care of your local perinatal mental health team, so reach out to them as soon as you can. If not, speak to a GP, midwife, or health visitor for guidance and ask about a referral.