My Experience Having a Baby while Living with Schizophrenia
Vložit
- čas přidán 19. 04. 2021
- I live with and manage my schizoaffective disorder, and on April 12, 2021 I had my first baby. This video is an update on how I managed medications while pregnant, considerations we made for labour and delivery, and what the first few days adjusting to life with a newborn have been like.
JOIN OUR ONLINE PEER SUPPORT COMMUNITY
Join a welcoming community of your peers and find comfort in sharing your experiences. By joining our community, you can benefit from the support of others who understand what you’re going through. We offer live weekly facilitated video peer support groups and text channels to communicate about a wide range of topics. Join today and start feeling less alone with what you’re going through.
• Schizophrenia Peer Support Community: www.schizophreniapeersupport.com
• General Mental Illness Peer Support Community: www.onlinepeersupport.com
HELP SUPPORT THE CHANNEL
We depend on the support of our audience to create this valuable resource. If you have found our content helpful, please consider supporting us today. Your contribution can make a huge difference and enable us to continue providing valuable resources to those living with mental illness.
• One-time donation: donate.stripe.com/9AQ6oV5S0ef...
• Monthly donation: / livingwellwithschizoph...
MENTAL HEALTH APPAREL
Wear your support for mental health! Our t-shirts, sweaters, and mugs not only spread awareness but also help support this channel. Pick up some mental health apparel today and make a statement while making a difference.
livingwell.myspreadshop.com/
SPEAKING & CONSULTING
Looking for an expert speaker or consultant for your upcoming event or project? With years of experience and a passion for mental health advocacy, I can provide the insight and inspiration you need to make a positive impact. Visit my speaking website to learn more!
www.laurenkennedywest.com/
SOCIALS
Instagram: / livingwellwithschizoph...
TikTok: / livingwellschizophrenia
Twitter: / lwschizophrenia
Website: www.livingwellwithschizophren...
#schizophrenia #livingwellwithschizophrenia #schizoaffectivedisorder #mentalhealth #pregnancy #newborn
JOIN OUR ONLINE PEER SUPPORT COMMUNITY
Schizophrenia Peer Support Community: www.schizophreniapeersupport.com
General Mental Illness Peer Support Community: www.onlinepeersupport.com
I am a psychiatric RN. You are absolutely radiant with joy!! Please continue to make videos as you are able. They are so informative!!
I’m a firmer psychiatrict RN. Or as we were called in Scotland Registered Mental Nurse. I hope that name has maybe changed a bit by now
I’d love to hear more from Psychiatric RNs! I’m a mental health advocate who suffers from mental-health disease, conditions. I’ve found many in your field not always as engaging, utilizing a variety of tools while patients are hospitalized.
RN here too. Mom of 7 with my eldest challenged by schizophrenia. Congratulations on your new blessing.❤ You are so inspiring and lovely.
@@sherrylanning1896 hi sherry,we want to read more comments about females who have babies and about their experience during pregnancy ,and after pregnancy....can you give us more details about your pregnancies,about medications during pregancy you was using?Did you use medicine during pregnancy and after pregnancy?...when you suffered from sczophernia?
My mom was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. Psychotic symptoms happen. Hospitalizations happen. A strong support system is invaluable. I love what that experience brought into my life, even when it was hard, and I would never choose any other family than my own. I feel comfortable around others with mental illness (which I later realized that a lot of my friends do not) and I learned the value of self-care. I’m so excited for you and appreciate the contribution you are making through your channel. Thank you so much and congratulations!
This was really heartwarming to read. It can be so easy to forget that there is also a lot of good that can come from being so familiar with mental illness. I’m so happy you and your mom have a good relationship. I really wish more people knew that people with mental illnesses can still be good parents.
My mom was as well at age 45. Many prayers were going through something similar.
Wow! So happy for you that you have a positive outlook on your mom and her mental illness. Many people say women with depression, schizophrenia... shouldn’t have kids. You show that that is not true. Women who have depression, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder... can have kids and raise them well. It’s great that things went well for you.
I wish there where more people like you in this world. I have bi polar and my birth mother did too. Well does but I was given up for adoption at 3 months cause my mom couldn’t care for me and it’s the most selfless act but either way it wouldn’t matter to me. I love my parents (adopted ones). My life couldn’t be better.
how exciting...
This kiddo is so lucky to have parents who are so in tune with the importance of self-care and mental wellness. He'll do just fine :D Massive congrats to you both!
Ali stair Caradec. My concern is that it runs in the genes.
@daveyboy9000 it's a comment section if people can deal with comment that's their problem
@@cliffpinchon2832 can you use easy words please?
@@cliffpinchon2832 dude you are literally arguing in favour of eugenics.
@@cliffpinchon2832 that is so wrong to think and say! Every family has serious diseases running through them! You sound like Hitler! I’m sure your family is full of illnesses too! Humans are the same in terms of all going through hardship and illness, and doing their best to overcome that!
I grew up with a schizophrenic mother...it was hell...You seem like you have a good understanding of your illness so I hope your baby will have a wonderful life...
Sending you hugs
@@sharonmchugh7730 thank you ❤️
Same here. I understand you
Sending you love... I also had an experience with my schizophrenic mother that I would not wish on an enemy.
I’m sorry you’ve experienced a hard childhood with an ill parent! Sadly, mental health diseases were, and still are stigmatized. Too many people fall through a needed system of getting treatment, and for a variety of reasons. As a mid-aged woman who was struck down with Panic Disorder then Major Depression, I did not have good medications, nor well regarded care; Not all treating practitioners are good. I suffered greatly, and my two pregnancies were difficult, especially postpartum. I, personally would not have had children knowing the hereditary these illnesses can become. I’m great full for my children, and now Great Grandchildren.
I hope you’re doing well in your life.
I literally let out a huge “AWWWWWWWWWEEEE” when I saw the thumbnail. So precious ❤️
Ditto!! Congratulations.
@@critney19 today I saw a person totally out of his mind, probably the family does not know where that person is. what to do when we meet people in these conditions.
You are giving me hope for my own chances of motherhood. If you can manage, I can! :)
If you're living with mental illness, you'll definitely need to keep your support system close. I'm expecting my fifth baby at the moment, and have dealt with Bipolar I through my first 3 before worsening and being diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder. My fourth thankfully wasn't any different despite the more severe disorder, and I'm hoping that #5 doesnt throw me any new curve balls after arrival, but my support system has made things much easier so I dont think that any hurdle will be too great to overcome. Motherhood is all I ever really wanted, so it's even though things get really tough at times, my kids are my world, and that greatest stressor is also the source of my greatest strength. If you are ever blessed with the gift of motherhood, it will be a much sweeter gift for you having had to brave the trials and tribulations of mental illness!
@@Pressity1 today I saw a person totally out of his mind, probably the family does not know where that person is. what to do when we meet people in these conditions.
R.L. thanks for your messaging,Im also reading the comments and your comment gave me hope,that somebody else also has hope about future and reading the message,also somebody also has plans same like this video...also somebody also thinking like me....same I've lots of dreams sbout my daughter....
@@Pressity1 Are you chikdren doing ok?..what do u mean,?
@@Pressity1 Are your children free from sczophernia?
This video will stand as an example of how you have tried your absolute best for your son. Please do not feel shame about needing medication, the love of your baby is apparent to everyone.
Never apologize for being a freshly baked parent! Do videos when you have time and energy. An CONGRATULATIONS to a sweet little kid.
Congratulations! ❤ I've silently followed you. I am adopted. My biological mom suffers from unmedicated Schizophrenia. I met her when I was 21. My true parent's took me to meet her. I was suffering with some medical issues so I needed my family medical history. Once I knew of my biological mom's history I got sterilized. I realize this isn't for everyone. I love this couple! I pray that they thrive with love and compassion..
Congatulations! Thank you for beeing so responsibile to get sterilized! YOU are a hero!
I am so glad with your decision! ❤
Very smart decision!!! No way would I get pregnant if I had this mental illness, and subject my unborn baby to it or the medication they have to take. Not sure why anyone would....
@@chewar7537some of the medications don't cause congenital birth defects. Am pregnant right now and have Schizoaffective disorder, not sure why it's so bad, if I'm successful and stable?
You were very smart and responsible to get sterilized. There is a strong possibility that women and men with schizophrenia can pass on psychiatric problems to their children. You only have to look at the case of Marilyn Monroe's mother, who suffered from a bad case of schizophrenia and who herself had a mother with serious psychiatric problems. Towards the end of her life Marilyn suffered from psychotic symptoms, such as voices in her head, and was prescribed anti-psychotics.
I was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2015. I dont experience voices or hallucinations but I am aware of how stress can trigger psychosis. For that reason, I lead a chilled life! Thank you for your videos and congratulations xxx
What is psychosis ?
I don’t have schizophrenia - but I have depression, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorder. I’m scared about managing my medications and mood when I become pregnant and have a baby. This video was so helpful! Congratulations! I hope you are doing well 💕
I'm so glad you want to! So many people with mental illnesses refuse to have children which is sad. I think you'll be great!
I love watching your videos. As someone with schizophrenia as well, you offer a lot of educated insight on the illness. I don't personally know anyone else with the disorder so it's a breath of fresh air to see and hear from someone who is so well integrated into life and hear their struggles. It makes me feel more normal and comfortable with myself.
Bless you, Deanne - 👍💕
I have schizophrenia and I know I'm going to be a great parent. I'm getting all the right treatment and I'm recovering well. This gives me hope for when I have a baby :)
Schizophrenia has a strong genetic link, but people are going to do what they do and procreating is a strong drive for many. My husband's best friend from childhood's mother was schizophrenic. She was in and out of mental hospitals throughout his childhood. After his parents divorced, his friend lived with his dad. He was always concerned that he would have schizophrenia because of his mom's genes. At 22 he had his first psychotic break. He still managed to get a doctorate in English and taught at a major ouniversity. Sadly, he had another psychotic break in his 30's and disappeared. His body was found in an inlet a few days later. He was brilliant and kind and we will always miss him.
Wow, was not expecting any videos for a while. You look amazing and Theodore/Teddy is adorable. 🍾Congratulations to you both 🥂
I am currently pregnant myself and staying medicated and this video made me feel a lot better about my decision. I hope that is ok to say. I just really found this video inspiring as a person struggling with mental illness and going through pregnancy.
Our,Ate you suffered from sczophernia?....Are you taking medications?
@@aaymathebest4705 ocd,bipolar 2 and generalized anxiety disorder.
Hi. What medication are you using in your pregnancy?
@@elizamorarescu7542 gabapentin,prozac and i was using trazadone early in the pregnancy. i am wanting to make some changes after baby is born.
Hi, so you got pregnant while being on the medications?
Congratulations and Theodore is a cute 👶. Lots of love and blessings to Theodore
@Virginia Valentine Ira is his middle name
@Virginia Valentine 😇 its Theodore
Thank you so much for sharing so much of your life. My son has schizophrenia, and the way you talk about your experiences and how you handle them gives me so much hope for my son. You’re so honest about the good and the challenges. It helps me have perspective that life is full of challenges, and that those challenges can be managed with love and teamwork. I love that you give your unvarnished truth, and it’s not the end of the world. I have hope that my son can find a loving, supportive and understanding partner. Congratulations to your family on the birth of little Teddy! You deserve all the happiness.
What a beautiful comment. ♥️
SHRIEKED OUT LOUD WHEN I SAW THE THUMBNAIL!!!!!!!!!! im in isolation for covid rn and its been scary, but this just made my day :')
You’re glowing. You look so happy! Congratulations to you both. He is absolutely beautiful!
I think you are so intelligent beautiful and an ace mother,beautiful baby and not forgetting your partner.the 3of you make a beautiful family.sending the 3 of you so much love.
He is adorable!! I started watching you because my niece, now 56 years old has schizophrenia. I'm 64 years old and I've noticed odd things from her since she was about 9 or 10 years old, if not younger. She is brilliant, never had any issues in school so I guess that is one reason her problem got missed. She has a 36 year old daughter. I think her daughter was what kept her as "normal" as she could have been, but as her daughter became older and ready to go to college, my niece her mom, became worse. She became homeless during that period of time. My sister, didn't know what was going on with her. She was really mean to my sister. Finally, my sister got her help...but they only gave her meds for her problem, which didn't make her feel well...so she would use drugs too. Right now, since the death of her dad, she is homeless again, refusing to take her meds at all. I can say, I don't think she is taking "street drugs" but her schizophrenia is really out of control. All I can do is pray for her. No one can make her take her meds, not even her daughter. I just needed to say this. I am so happy for you that you are coping well with your disease. I'm so glad you took care of it early. I wish you well with your little boy, as I said, he is ADORABLE!!
Welcome baby Theodore! You are so kind to continue sharing with the community! You are an amazing woman! Seeing those early day newborn snuggles brings back a lot of memories : )
All the health in the world to your new addition! Congrats!
Seeing you and your son in this video just made my day! I'm so happy for you, Rob, Teddy and your other two children. In addition, your sharing of this video, as well as all the others, is such a benefit to those who are living with a mental illness and for those of us who have a loved one who is. Thank you!
Huge congratulations!
So happy for you all ❤️
I lit up with joy seeing this. Congratulations Lauren, and the baby is beautiful.
Big congratulations from Australia! Lots of love and peace to your son
This is the happiest i've seen you Lauren, congratulations. Much love
Congratulations on the arrival of your beautiful baby! Melts my heart ❤😊
Congratulations. You are so brave. Motherhood is so challenging and so rewarding. Glad you are resting as much as you can.
Congratulations on your new bundle of love! Your work is indicative of your capacity for love and care commitment to living well and being a valuable member of a community much larger than yourself
Omg!!! I'm so happy for you all!!! Sending a lot off love ❤️
This video felt so quiet, peaceful, and beautiful. You said that you have had some struggles along the way, but it sounds like everything has gone as well as it could. I’m really emotional at how happy I am for you. You and Theodore are beautiful. Enjoy every moment that you can and continue to stay safe 💙
Congratulations!!! Thank you for being so vulnerable as always and allowing us to see a major part of your journey. Welcome to the World Teddy!!!
This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story 🌺 Please don't stop sharing your journey 😭 You and Theodore are so in sync 💜💙
He is absolutely precious!! Congratulations!
Congratulations again and wishing you and Theodore and the family all the best !!
Congrats to you both and to the siblings! You will do an amazing job!
Congratulations to you both! Love and best wishes for all of you.
This video is the best one I have seen on CZcams since quite a while already. Big Thanks, Lauren and Rob and Teddy! Hearty congratulations!
Just so much love, I'm sending so much love. I think you are all just amazing! Giving birth is HUGE for anyone and you've just done it with all these other considerations and I can't applaud you enough for what you've done, there are no words.
Awwwwww! Congrats. I am so happy for y’all. He is just precious. ❤️
Congratulations! It's great to see you can live with the illness and you can get a family. Inspiring.
I feel like I can feel the love between you and Teddy through the screen! Congratulations to you and your family!
Welcome Theodore !! I'm so happy you are here. You are very loved. So sweet!!
Congratulations to you and Rob and welcome Theodore! What a precious little bean :')
Thanks for sharing your story with us so openly. I never want to feel entitled to more than you want to share, but I do really appreciate how open and honest you've been throughout your parenthood journey thus far.
Congratulations again! ❤️
congratulations you two - you deserve all the happiness in the world! Your content is so valuable and I appreciate your openness and honesty. Take care xx
Congratulations on the beautiful baby and a safe delivery! You are so strong and brave for sharing your journey ❤️
To say you’re an inspiration is an understatement. Thank you for being so open and honest, it truly is refreshing to see. I wish you all the best❤️❤️
Motherhood is hard but having a mental illness and being a mother is 1 million times harder. I have major depressive disorder and PTSD and I have two children. Honestly I wish I would’ve got into therapy sooner and really worked on myself before having children but I was such a young mother. After my second I really went downhill and my dad died of alcoholism. I’m not trying to share my story to scare anybody but I just want people to be aware that what you see on CZcams and these CZcams moms especially with mental illness is not what you’re really getting. I was hospitalized for my PTSD after my dad died and my youngest was about 14 months old. I commend her for sharing her story but please know that being a mother with mental illness is not for the faint of heart please take care of yourself first before trying to bring another human into this world. I never planned on taking a turn for the worst but it happened
Welcome to the world Theodore! And sincerest congratulations to you and Rob. Teddy is absolutely perfect 💙
I will not be going anywhere, please enjoy this precious time with your family and try not to worry about the upload schedule :)!! I am so happy for you, and Teddy is sosososososososo cute. Also, I feel you handled this so well. I am proud of you!
Congratulations to you and your growing family! Wishing you and your newborn the best!
Congratulations on your growing family. He's beautiful and I'm glad you're doing well. I'm really glad you have your support system. You guys take care of yourselves! ❤❤
Oh my goodness CONGRATULATIONS BOTH!! He is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Peace and love to the three of you x
Congratulations!! So precious! Glad to hear you are doing well.
Congratulations again! I know often you cannot tell by the looks of a person how they feel, but you smiled a big smile when introducing him, I hope you and your family get much joy from this new addition!
I totally get not being able to "just go off meds", I think you did brilliantly working with your doctors how to navigate the situation. Thank you for speaking so openly, it really helps other people, me included (I have schizoaffective disorder)!
Awww! Congratulations! And you look pretty darn good for having a newborn momma! I'm SO happy for you!
Big hugs from a fellow SD momma!
I'll have to come back to watch this when I can listen!
Oh my God, I’m so incredibly happy for you guys! Congratulations! Your son is beautiful ❤️
Congratulations! So over the moon for your family! Thank you for sharing your journey
Congratulations! And best wishes to your whole family.
So sweet! Congratulations 🎊🍾🎉🎈
You're so brave, congrats! That's great that you are doing well, I am very happy for you all❤️
Congratulations! Blessing to you and your family!!
Congrats on your new addition guys 😍💜
All the love, to you, Rob, the kids and Teddy!
I don't think I've ever seen you so at peace and content! Motherhood definitely suits you! Congratulations he gorgeous!
Congratulations!!! He is precious and you are glowing!!
he's adoraable and i am so happy you got through it ok! take as much time as needed tons of love
Prayers for you and your beautiful boy, God bless you both, may He protect you and shine His light upon you. ❤️ Amen.
Congrats Lauren! He is adorable and you exude happiness and radiance. I wish you all the best! You are a true hero!
I am so happy for you and your family. Congratulations and wish you the best life has to offer.
As I new Mummy I can absolutely related to the exhaustion haha The love you have just all over your face when looking down at your little man is just so beautiful to see. Congratulations Mama!!
Congratulations, beautiful baby! 💙Sending happy and healthy wishes your way! 🥰
Congratulations!!! I'm so happy for you both. Please take all the time you need before coming back to making videos. Thank you for introducing us to Teddy!
Congratulations Lauren and Rob!! Welcome to the world Theodore 🥰. So very proud of you Lauren.
You are such a nice person and you and Rob are so sharing with your journey. Congratulations, I am so happy to see your joy
Congratulations. This is a marvelous thing and gives hope to all people affected by these disorders
Awww! He's adorable. I am really happy for you and your little family. All the very best to you!
Congratulations and great job mommy, you are a great, strong and down to earth person, I am so glad I can be a part of your journey. I wish you all the best in your new role ❤️
This video makes my heart sing. Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us! And congrats on the new baby!! The way you look at him is so precious.
You looks so amazing ! Congrats to you guys ! Thank you again for making videos like these ! Sending love and good vibes ❤️
Congratulations. Take your time with your family. I'm happy to know that the little darling is here. Teddy is cute. Be happy
God bless you and Rob for sharing your story so honestly, there are so many people who will be helped by this! I hope this little one won't give you too many scary moments (at least until he gets his driver's license)!
Teddy is the most adorable little angel. He’s so lucky to be born into such a loving family. 🙏🏻❤️
Congratulations! So happy for both of you, he is so lucky to have such loving and doting parents.
You are beyond inspiring to me, you are so courageous and I know you are going to be the most amazing mother ❤️
You are glowing and the pure bliss on your face so so beautiful. Congratulations to you and Rob, Teddy is so cute! ❤️
Wow you look so happy! And that makes me happy and warms my heart. You look absolutely amazing!
God bless you and your little family. He is beautiful. This channel is so helpful, and hopeful for so many. Prayers for getting your sleep schedule back soon!
So happy for you and your family! Wishing you all love and happiness. Thanks for sharing your journey through pregnancy and with your mental health. I truly admire you for what you do.
You look so natural with that bundle of joy Lauren. Thank you for showing it is possible to live alongside mental illness and to live a full life. Much love to your family 🥰💓
Congratulations to your beautiful family of 5 - Teddy is just perfect. You look amazing mama! Enjoy this time and soak one another up. Sending you all of my love and best wishes for your sweet son. 💖🙏
Wishing you and your beautiful little boy all the best. Motherhood looks great on you!
This is amazing. I recently looked at a lot of studies around mother/parent hood and schizophrenia. Your video offers some really great insight! Congratulations 👏 I'm glad you were able to manage your pregnancy well
Congratulations to you and Rob. I wish all 3 of you all the happiness in the world forever🙂👍♥️🙂
Congratulations Lauren and Rob! This topic is so needed, pregnancy and medications. Thanks for covering this!
I am so happy for you and your family Loren! This is the happiest moment of 2021 for me so far knowing that the delivery went well. You look gorgeous and happy. The baby is the cutest I've seen! Sending peace, love and happiness to you and your growing family. 💛💛💛💛💛💛