Will postnatal depression prevent me becoming a childminder?

immoral_angeluk

I have postnatal depression which I'm on anti-d's for. I went to a pre registration briefing for childminders today and was given a health declaration form my doctor has to fill in but I'm worried that the PND will prevent me becoming registered...

Anyone have any advice/experience with it?

aaroncaz

Try the Ofsted site, it may help:

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/portal/site/Internet/menuitem.455968b0530071c4828a0d8308c08a0c/?vgnextoid=b75e77cb533a1110VgnVCM1000003507640aRCRD

Rachie_B

no it wont necessarily prevent you being registered but they do put it down on your forms etc

HTH

wifeforlife

It stopped me becoming registered 3 years ago although it may be different in different parts of the country, I'm over in NI

Cate

consultant31

I wonder if you realise how stressful it can be to childmind!

I would have thought that having a houseful of children of different ages who require your undivided attention for hours at a time would not be the best way to lift you out of depression.

I'm sorry to sound negative, but my daughter is a childminder and though I love children, I honestly don't know how she does it - the noise level can be horrendous and some of the children leave a lot to be desired :eek:

I would be inclined to wait until you feel stronger, but I wish you luck whatever you decide.

tosca5

Don't want to sound negative but seriously having PND is very hard and would not help you any with filling your house with children.

immoral_angeluk

I should have made clear that I am being treated with anti depressants and am feeling better that I did before medication. Before I went on maternity leave I was a nursery assistant and sometimes had up to 8 children on my own but obviously with childminding I can ease myself into it taking on one child and seeing how it goes etc. I have a dr's appointment tomorrow for a check up and will take down my health declaration and ask him what he thinks.

Rachie_B

cathy2702 wrote: »

It stopped me becoming registered 3 years ago although it may be different in different parts of the country, I'm over in NI

Cate

oops yeah good point !

IA why not give a call or email to the NCMA http://www.ncma.org.uk

Nicki

Would you be telling the parents of the minded child you had PND? I sympathise with your predicament as I had very bad PND myself, and found it very difficult looking after my own two young children when I was feeling depressed. For that reason, were I to have another, I would never leave it with anyone whom I knew to be still suffering from PND, as I know they would not get the same level of interaction and genuine engagement on a consistent basis with that carer, even if the condition was controlled sufficiently by medication to mean that they were perfectly safe. If I knew that the carer had been wholly free from PND for a sufficient period however that would be different.

Broken_hearted

I wouldn't hire someone with PND (sorry), I've been lucky enough never to have it but my friend, mother and sister all have had it. They went through a lot my mother who didn't get proper help is still suffering after nearly 30 years.

lynzpower

I wouldnt either to be honest with you.


I have worked with many women with PND ( both treated and undtreated) and even those who are stable on treatment can find life a real struggle some days.

id recommend getting yourslef better.Look after yourself and build your strength before committing to working, it can really set you back.


x