I had bad suicidal depression with my first, and mania after my 3rd was born, not medicated I add.
Keep a very good support system round you that will know when it's getting too much.

I was fully medicated during my pregnancy and after so I couldn't breast feed. I would caution you on not being medicated from my own personal experience however I don't know your case. Hate to put my newborn in the microwave though due to a psychosis! I think that thought should enter your mind when you consider your options to breastfeed. We deal with a powerful and tricky illness. Don't kid yourself that you can function like other moms do.

I was not diagnosed during my first pregnancy and during my second i beacme suicidal and wound up having shock treatments...it was horrific

Ladies, come on. We know there is no such thing as Post Partum Depression.
Tom Cruise said so!

Sorry...what was I thinking...I must have eaten something that did not agree with me

yes but dobie, you forget, we already have a starting block! I think we're the exception to the rule.
"no such thing as homacidal mania huh Tom? HUH TOM?????"

Ahem, sorry, don't know what came over me then.

....I'm still holding him down Faz, what do I do now?????

Lemme at his nuts!

Postpartum castration coming up!

Oh Jesus...what about loving thine enemy and forgiving the sinner??????

He's the exception to THAT rule! Haha. Ok ok, I'm down I'm down, sorry Tom. Here, give that to the hospital, they may be able to stick it back on somehow.

Nurse!...Nurse! Get me the silly string..and the crazy glue....I saw Mission Impossible too...I can do anything...

My plans were as follows and please give me your opinions. I am trying to weigh EVERYTHING.

1. Get a therapist that specializes in postpartum support and can help in maintaining my symptoms of BiPolar, Depression and Postpartum (anything that can come up) start seeing them immediately and once at least every two weeks2. See my psychiatrist (first app. is comming up) about acceptable medications during my last trimester to get things set up in my system and medications that would be an option Postpartum while breastfeeding 3. Have hubby keep his cell on at all times and the moment I question myself about what to do or how I feel with the baby, CALL
4. parents plan to come from another state for two whole weeks to help with anything I need (take them up on the offer) 5. Post the crisis hotline number in home so that if the baby is crying for 3 hours and I can't reach hubby, call them. They can at least give me tips or calm me down
6. Have at least one other person than hubby that can be physically available if in dier need


What do you guys think???? Any other suggestions, opinions???

Short version:
On Lamictal and Effexor through pregnancy.
MAJOR Post Partum Depression for many months.
Breastfed for 4 months (difficult as i had csection and she wouldn't latch on for 1.5 months - pumped and gave to her in bottle until she could latch).
As for as precautionary regarding PPD? Stay in CLOSE contact with Pdoc!! If he/she is attentive, your meds can be adjusted. But, hormones are a tough one.
From what I understand Lamictal is good for pregnancy, Lithium is not. On the other hand, Lithium is good for breastfeeding and Lamictal is not.
Hope this helps!!!
Much love and hugs!

sounds like an excellent plan..you have done your homework...good luck :)

Nope I havent had any problems at all with PPD...I have had four children, three of those while undiagnosed and lost one to SIDS and my baby boy was born 10mths ago and Im now diagnosed have been for some time but am med free