I guess some of it might have something to do with what sets off your panic attacks. I used to have them sometimes when I was really stressed and had more stress suddenly come on me like deciding to have company and wanting everything to be perfect. I think the fact that my kids were smaller probably added to the stress and I came to find out for awhile that just being a little more organizaed and thinking ahead helped them alot.

Now however I am having them badly enough to be medicated because my husband left me suddenly without warning and I am not doing well. My kids are grown now so I guess it doesn't have anything to do with them anymore. I think education is important if you think that you would panic being alone with your child, I think it would help if you had information you could remember that would help you through that. My situation, there is nothing. Hope I made some sense and helped a little. Lynn

i have a 3 year old and a 1 year old i think haveing them around has made easier to deal with.the little things they do that make you smile takes your mind off of the panic attack.

My kids know I have this problem. I have explained it to them. It was easier when they were younger because I didn't have to go outside my house too much. When they got older and I had to start driving them to school and showing up to things that's when it got hard. They understand why this happens to me, they sympathize the best that they can and they know that I am trying to work on it. You honestly will be fine. There are a million like us out there. Even people you would never assume have this. I didn't take medication for a very long time. I tried to deal with it on my own. I don't think I ever had a panic attack around my kids... anxiety yes... They were either sleeping or not at home when my panic attacks have come.

My children are the main reason I live and I wouldnt have it any other way. On my worst days they and only they can bring out a smile.

Well, of course if you want a child, you should try to get pregnant. Do NOT let panic take this special thing from you. I have 4 children and believe me when I say, they keep you hopping and occupied. You will find a way to make it work, and this is just more incentive to get better!

I was in the worst of my anxiety when I found out I was pregnant. I was beside myself because I wanted to be a lot more mentally stable with the anxiety before I even thought about having kids. The only thing I could think about was how was I going to lead a normal life having children and how everything would work out. Well, my anxiety has actually gotten better and even though things aren't exactly what is considered "normal", we have found a way of living that is close to it. You will find your way. You are going to be a wonderful mother. Don't be scared of having children with anxiety just do everything you can to help yourself. You can overcome this. I have realized now that if I had waited for my anxiety to dissapear before having children, life would have passed me by and I may have missed out on my little girl. My baby girl has given me an even bigger reason for living and finding answers for myself to help me conquer this. Also that baby is going to adore you and love you even with anxiety:) I like to believe that babies choose US. About taking medicine during pregnancy, I chose not to. My doctor seemed to think it would be okay, but just for extra caution, I decided not to. I was considering paxil at the time and I am glad I didnt now because they think that they have linked some birth defects to that drug when taking it during pregnancy. Its up to you though because if you think you wont be able to get through it without it, then you might need it. By this time next year you may be a lot better too and feel like you can do it without medication. Anyway, hope this helped. Good luck and God bless!!

sorry I took up so much space. I didnt realize how much I typed!

I didn't have PA's during my pregnancies, on after. I had 2 sons, and 2 post-partum depressions. After the 2nd, it was "suggested" I not have any more babies. Thankfully, even with all the mental issues, it didn't affect my mothering at all. I went on meds when my 2nd son was 9 mos. old, and have been on meds of some sort ever since. For some reason, my PA's are worst just prior to/during menstruation. The first really BIG one occurred when my first born was 4 mos. old. I didn't seek help for almost 2 years!! I wasn't afraid of having them when I was with the babies; they only got worse over the last year. I used to could just "ride them out", but for some reason, I couldn't do that this time. I've experienced the most intense ones now that I'm 42; I suspect it's hormonal, psychological, and stress related. I wish I could tell you everything will be fine, which I'm sure it will be, but I can't. Pregancy made me "happy" like no other times did.

I have three children, im usually alone when i get all panicked but if not the kids are not affected because i escape the room they are in and find my calm, if your alone with a baby make sure baby is in a safe place and leave the room until your calm, if baby is safe you will be fine, your GP will also adapt your medication to suit situation, please dont worry enjoy it, it is so great

i didnt know i had it when i had kids, so i just soldiered on until two years ago i crashed. i think knowing what you have is a huge advantage. kids do cause stress, but if you are being managed my medical professionals im sure they will help you get through that