Postnatal Causes

Since setting up the charity we have monitored carefully what seem to be some of the common causes for Postnatal Illness. Postnatal Illness can happen sometimes due to a number of factors, but it is important to note that it can also happen due to none of the reasons we have listed.
The single most important factor is to accept you are ill and not a bad mum. Knowing why you may have got ill is not essential but getting support and care is very important to enable you to get well.
Here are some causes that are frequently spoken about during the illness:

• I had a very traumatic and frightening birth.
  
• I have been depressed in the past.
  
• My baby was very ill after the birth and was in a special care baby unit.
  
• My baby was born with disabilities.
  
• I had a parent/close relative die whilst I was pregnant/after the birth.
  
• I have fertility problems and have had miscarriages/a stillborn baby.
  
• I am a perfectionist and love working. Work gave my day structure and routine. Now I'm at home with my baby I have lost my sense of identity and have no space for myself.

Many women who become ill do not realize postnatal illness can be treated successfully and suffer in silence. It is essential to seek help in order to get better.

What is PNI ?