Feedback About Tubal Ligation

If you are absolutely, without a doubt done having children, and I mean dead-set against any more, DONE - then you won't have any issues. If, on the other hand, there is a little voice in you saying, "I wish I could just have one more," even if that seems ridiculous - DON'T have the procedure. There are many good birth control options that are reversable, so you don't need to lock yourself in if you aren't sure.

My opinion, 3 kids isn't that many kids...and if your age is an issue to you - don't let it be - you are a proven baby-maker at this point, so if you want another one, you can do it, it just might be a little harder to get pregnant since your fertility might be starting to decrease a smidge.

Good luck, and don't feel presured to do it - if I were you, I wouldn't do it if I had a single doubt.

2 moms found this helpful

Hi S.,
I had my tubes tied almost 10mnths ago after my 2nd child and during my 2nd C-section. I have Ulcerative Colitis and experinced a flare-up w-my last pregnancy. This, plus the idea of having a 3rd C-section is what made my decision for me. It might be a coincidence that I was depressed from all the meds I was on for Colitis. Other than that I've only experienced heavier periods, but happy to say hardly any cramps. Thank goodness for that!! Good Luck!!
C.

1 mom found this helpful

S. ~ I had my tubes tied may years ago. I do remember that my periods were heavier and more painful, but that only lasted a small amount of time. Other than that, I experienced no side effects. I am all for tubals if they are for the right reason. When I had mine done, I was in my 30's and I had to attend a series of classes and meet wth at least two doctors and a counselor before they would schedule the appointment. They want you to be sure this is what you want. I don't know if you still have to do the same thing now. My bff had her's done when she delievered her twins and her experience was about the same, heavier periods, a little more cramps and pms but in the end, it's not the end of the world. If you can deliver a baby, you can surely live with cramps! Good luck

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Hi!

Getting my tubes tied was the best thing I ever did for myself (other than marry my wonderful husband and have my two sons <g>). I had outpatient surgery over a three day weekend and was back at work on Monday. I over did it, though, so if you could go back with one or two half days, that might be wise. I had no side effects to speak of and definitely no depression. In fact, my libido went through the roof!

It was the same for my mom when she had her tubes tied. But, we were both very ready to be done with childbearing. My gynocologist had us come in for counseling twice before agreeing to the surgery, since I was in my early 30s. I've never regretted it and I've never looked back.

If you think there's ANY possibility that you'll want more children, don't do it. Wait. Think it over again. If you're very secure with your decision to not have any more kids, I say go for it!

Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

In my experience the side effect were horrible and lastest a little over 2 years. Had I known what I know now I never would have done it. I would find any alternative out there but DO NOT tie your tubes.

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I'm having a baby at 39 in December. I'm scheduled to have my tubes tied, but I'm nervous about not feeling well because of it and recovering from labor can be tough enough as it is. I'm trying to talk to my husband about getting a vasectomy instead, but I don't think it will happen. It's sort of one of those "If it's to be, it's up to me" situations because I cannot even get him to go to the doctor for a checkup let alone cut him "down there." lol. Anyhow, I had to go to a class at Kaiser before we signed all the informed consent paperwork and they told us it would be totally normal to feel a little blue afterward. You have to go through dealing with the fact that you won't be able to have more children, that this was the last time you'll ever be pregnant, and know your decision is a final one. I think it's normal for women to sort of think it's the "end of an era" where part of their child-bearing years are over. I was planing on having one when my 2-year-old was born and ended up having a 36 hour labor & delivery and changed my mind. Also, the hospital didn't even have my paperwork I had signed months before either. (Make sure you bring copies of any paperwork you signed, just in case the Labor & Delivery Dept. doesn't get their copy) Now we're having another one that wouldn't be here had I done it before. I'm glad to be having another so my 2-year-old will have someone his age to grow up with (my other girls from a previous marriage are 16 and 18!) Good luck with your decision and the rest of the pregnancy and delivery.

1 mom found this helpful

Yes I had it done right after my 2nd c-section and have since had my tubes reversed due to Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome. I had at least half of the symptoms on the list. I was living a nightmare. My body is back to normal and I am so happy. I have written long post about it but I am heading out right now so I do not have time to get into it. Please feel free to send me a separate post and I will explain in greater detail. Also my youngest is only two so that's how quickly the symptoms began and how quickly I had the reversal.

D.

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hi S. - i am 38 & have a boy 11yrs & girl 6 months. i had a c-section w/my girl & had my tubes tied during. im not sure if you're talking about 'depression' because it's so permanent...? or if you heard it was a side effect from the tubal. all i can tell you is, if you are ABSOLUTELY sure you do not want any more children, then i think you should have them tied while the doc is in there. i have had mild depression, but have just chalked it up to hormones attempting to get back in order after the pregnancy. there are times (when the baby girl is GOOD) that i think, "aawww...i could do this again" . and then are times (when she's NOT so 'good' - or it's been a rough/busy day) & i think "boy, am i glad i tied my tubes!" the only 'side effect' i had after the procedure was there was a little bit longer of a recovery time than if i just had the c-section alone. i personally have not regretted that i did it. and, what a JOY it is now, to be intimate w/my husband & not have to worry about ANY birth control of ANY kind! if you are concerned about depression, talk to your doc beforehand & maybe you can get some mild prescription that may help you out (IF you think you can't handle it)

1 mom found this helpful

If you are unsure at all, look into getting an IUD. I know that a few others mentioned it, but I would like to clarify. There are two kinds available in the U.S. One kind is Mirena, which delivers hormones just as the pill or the patch, and is for up to five years. i think anything that alters your hormones is a little scary myself. The other kind (which I have) is called a Paragard and is wrapped in copper. It is approved in this country for ten years. No hormones! Its so great! And you can have it inserted just the one time and by the time you have to have it removed you may not be able to have children anymore anyway. And it is just as effective as tubal ligation, except that if you decide that you would like to have another child, you have the doctor simply remove it and you are good to go! no regrets! no recovery from surgery! no depression! no worries! What a truly great discovery!
Good Luck!

1 mom found this helpful

I had a tubal ligation June of 2007. I had 2 preemies and all my doctors highly advised it, as I too had a c-section and the timing seemed good!

I am 26, was 25 at the time.. I have regretted the decision since they asked me on the table, "C., are you sure you want to have your tubes tied?". I have such mixed feelings.

However, that being said, it was the best thing for me, and possibly one day we may adopt. (IVF is always an option as well, but my doctors think I'm crazy for bringing it up)

If you are sure you are done having children, I'd say go for it! If you have the slightest bit of second thoughts, I'd say hold off! Just my opinion!

1 mom found this helpful

I had my tubal done last July. Between my husband and I we have 5 children. We needed this two kids ago (just kidding). I was scheduled to have it done the same day as well, but I went so fast that I did not have IV access and they would not do it until six weeks after. The worst part for me is that my periods are heavier for the first three days and then I spot for another day or two. I have not experienced any depression or other ill effects. I was very happy to get the tubal so I guess that my outlook on life (and unprotected sex with my husband) has just been really positive.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi S.,

I also have 3 children and I chose to have my tubes tied during my c-section. I have had no side effects and experienced no additional discomfort from the procedure. One piece of advice that was given to me that I want to share with you is to carry a copy of your tubal ligation consent with you in case you go into labor early and have to go immediately to the hospital. My hospital could not find a copy easily and had to rely on my copy! This avoided having an additional procedure/surgery later. Some do complain of extra pain just after the c-section, but it wasn't anything I noticed that couldn't be lessened by the pain meds I received. Good luck.

D.

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I have five kids, the IUD is my answer, not permanent or hormone altering.

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Hi S.!

My youngest will be 3 in a couple of weeks...I also had a c-section when she was born. Before her birth I signed the paperwork to have a "tubal ligation" in the event I'd have to have a c-section. My doctor preformed the tubal ligation immediately after my daughters birth. I can honestly say that I experienced absolutely no side effects from the tubal ligation. I also have a friend who was in basically the same situation as I was with the same result. No depression for either of us! Good luck on your decision and on your baby!

1 mom found this helpful

my mom had her tubes tied when I was born in the 70s. When I was pregnant with my second and considering the same she implored me NOT TO DO IT. I've known about all of he cycle issues my whole life, but only recently have doctors started linking menstruation issues with have the tubes tied. She has suffered horribly irregular periods, depression, SEVERE PMS...every symptom in the book!

I did take her advice and did not have it done, my husband had a vasectomy instead just about 6 weeks ago. I don't know how true it is, but I did not want to take the risk!

1 mom found this helpful

I had a tubal ligation after my second child when I was 25. I didn't experience anything but stomach pain when the meds ran out. I suggest not to let the pain meds wear off. Don't be nervous, its a very small incision, you won't even notice it.

1 mom found this helpful

I had my tubes tied after my last child. and i did fine. I didn't have any more post pardum depression than i did with any of our other children.
Just make sure that there is no chance you would want any more kids.
Good luck with that decision. I prayed about mine for months.

1 mom found this helpful

I had a cesarean and tubal ligation in March. I've noticed that I am not really interested in sex anymore, until we get started. There is no initiating by me anymore. I don't know that I've had any other side effects, but wanted to share this with you.

1 mom found this helpful

S.,
I had a tubal with my C-section and I think it was a great decision. You are already in pain from the C-section so there is no additional pain that you would notice. My sister had a tubal a few months after her her second child was born vaginally. She said they went in through the belly button. She said there was pain, cramping and bleeding after the procedure and it took at least one week before she starting feeling better. I think it is better to have it done when you already have the symptoms from the C-section.

1 mom found this helpful

I waited one year after my second child was born by c-sec, and then had the tubal ligation. That was 25 years ago and I have not had any trouble with it. In fact I did not go through menopause until 56. It is so nice to not have to deal with birth control.
J., 58 (mother of two incredible adults and grandmother to one adorable 14 month-ol boy)

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S.,

I just had mine done back in January and I have had no problems. I also had a c-section and I was sore but there was no extra pain. I had a c-section with my first son so I had something to compare it too. Don't worry about it you should be ok!!

S.

1 mom found this helpful

hi, i am 48 & had my tubes tied when i was 20 right after the birth of my second son. i have never had a single side effect & have never regretted it. i now have a 3 1/2 year old grandaughter who is the apple of my eye! grandkids are very rewarding! DO IT!

1 mom found this helpful

I have 2 children now, 4 months and 23 months. after my second, i had my tubes tied, and i have felt no depression or any thing of that sort. There were no bad side affects at all. really easy procedure. Everyone was trying to talk me out of it because im only 25. I heard alot of horror stories too. If you are getting a c section, you wont even notice the pain. it was moderate, and only lasted a few days.

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Hi S.,
This is such a personal choice. Several of my girlfriends, sisters and my mother all have had their tubes tied. All are extremely happy with their choice. They are birth control free and love it! As far as depression, I wonder if that may purely be coincidental, like postpartum, or related to a feeling of being suddenly "sterile". Your ovaries will still produce their normal hormones, you will still menstruate...etc. Talk to your Doc about your concerns and check if these fears are really valid. Good luck w/ your decision. ~L.

1 mom found this helpful

I had my tubes tied after my second child depression didn't come until they were in there teens and no longer would let mom cuddle with them, thats when I started missing the baby thing, I then wanted another one, of coarse, ny hubby said sure lets have another one but this time your getting up with the late night feedings, ( I never did with with my two hubby did ever one ) << lucky me !! well that changed my mind.. back to your question I never felt any sort of depression after my tubes were tied.

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Hi S.,

I had my tubes tied in December almost 2 years ago. I didn't have any severe depression, but I knew that I was done having kids. I did get a little (very little) sad once I realized that my youngest was the last baby I would hold in the middle of the night, or watch take her first steps and stuff like that. However, I have never regretted my decision to have my tubes tied. Like I said, mentally and financially, I KNEW I was done having kids. The person that had the "buyer's remorse" or the regret after the tubal was my husband. He never got his boy and still to this day pesters me about having had the tubal. We agreed on it toghether, but he would still like another baby at times. HE knows it is best for all of us, but I think it bothers him the idea that we can't have anymore kids. So, it is something to think about, but in the end, it was the best possible solution. Good luck with your decision, and congrats on your new addition.

1 mom found this helpful

I had my tubes tied when I had my c-section with my last child. I figured since they were going to be in there anyway, I knew I was done with having kids at 41. I spoke with other women who had also had a tubal ligation and their experiences became mine. Basically, they complained that their periods had changed and were much heavier and their PMS symptoms were much higher. I figured that I would take that risk because the risk of another pregnancy would be much harder on my body and family. I also spoke to my OB/GYN about the side effects. He said that they were minimal and that if my periods hadn't bothered me before, they most like wouldn't bother me afterward. Well, not the case. Again, as another reader commented that these effects could everything to do with age, perimenopause or post-tubal ligation syndrome (which I never knew of.)
Wishing you luck with you new baby and your decision.

1 mom found this helpful

I know this wasn't what you asked, but would your hubby consider getting a vasectomy instead? It's cheaper, easier, less invasive, quicker recovery and zero side effects. You've done birth control (probably) plus three pregnancies and (almost) three births. It's his turn!!

;-)

Good luck!!!

1 mom found this helpful

A friend of mine had her tubes tied when they did the c-section for her 3rd. She didn't have any side affects and is very glad she did it.

1 mom found this helpful

After my thrid C-Section, I had a tubal. It was much easier doing it at the time of the C-Section than having to go through another surgery later. I am 40 and knew we weren't going to have any more babies. There were absolutely NO side effects. The depression, as another mom had said, was maybe a coincidence that it happened at the same time. I am SO glad I had a tubal and don't have to worry about birth control anymore! Just make sure you really don't want any more kids... then do it. Nothing to be nervous about as far as the surgery.

1 mom found this helpful

Neither me nor any of my "ligated" friends experienced any such symptoms. On the contrary, it is a HUGE relief and really quite simple. Having it done at the same time as a c-section will make it all the easier. I do not think healthy women have to worry about such a thing. I doubt any depression would be a physical result of the surgery. You could experience the same depression after your hubby has a vasectomy, or after the youngest kid starts kindergarten or goes off to college. We all feel a "last baby" twinge of sadness now and then. It is normal and to be expected. You are 42, this is your last pregnancy. Do the ligation! You will not regret it. It is actually quite liberating.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi S.
I had my tubes tied after my 5th c-section. I had no complications. It was the obvious choice for my husband and I, since I was already having surgery. Are you prone to depression after the births? I believe it has to do with your emotional state of knowing you are doing what is right for you and your family. It was an easy decision for me because my doctor told us how unhealthy it was for me to have any more c-sections. Make sure you and your husband talk and know that you are absolutely sure that you are happy with the family just the way it is.
Good luck! Listen to your heart-you know what the right choice is.

1 mom found this helpful

My sister had an emergency C-section and had her tubes tied a little over 2 years ago. I don't know if you have had a C-section before but if not, expect to still look about 6 months pregnant afterwards, it takes about 5-7 days for the pain to subside (after a bowel movement) and your legs swell up for about 7-10 days. I had one 21 mos. ago but knew what to expect because of my sister's experience 8 1/2 mos. before. I do not believe she had any extra after effects having her tubes tied but she did have an allergic reaction to the morphin. Maybe if you feel you might be prone to depression (I had post-partum depression for about a week but not until my daughter was 3 mos. old), you can be prescribed an anti-depressant but I do not know if you will be able to breast feed. I had to stop breast feeding when I began taking them.

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I had my tubes tied with my c-section in Nov 06 when I delivered my twins. I was 36 at the time. My recovery seemed a bit longer than after my first c-section, but I'd had that c-section only a year and a half earlier, had carried twins and had spent a lot of time on bedrest. Therefore, I definitely can't blame the additional recovery time on the tubal, but maybe it contributed. Since the twin's birth, I have really not been the same. My monthly cycles are more painful and heavy, lots more mood swings, and I've been more likely to feel down. I've looked into PTLS (post-tubal ligation syndrome) a bit and found that many of the things I'm feeling others have felt after having a tubal ligation. However, some of the symptoms could also be perimenopause. Either way, I wish that I wouldn't have had the tubal if for no other reason than that I don't like wondering if it's caused some of my issues since. I wish I would have researched more and educated myself better before proceeding with having it done.

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Hi S. M. I am 46 know but I was 32 but I heard that it give you depression after it and I decided that my husband should do the operation instead its easier for them than us. His operation lasted a few minutes but took a weekend to heal alot of ice for his privates. Its been good and our sex lives is good too! and like I told my hubby it takes two to be responsible I had the kids and know he can prevent from having any more with me or anyone else.
Good luck.
D.:)

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Hi, S.. You may want to check into an IUD. It is THE most effective birth control for women who've had children (99.9%). It is painless, hormone free, and no maintenance - you just have it placed at your 6-week check-up and checked every year during your annual exam. It can be removed at any time. I use Mirena. www.Mirena-US.com. Oh - and light to practically non-existent periods are a big plus too, and I don't have any PMS side effects. (Some insurances will pay for this as well.) Good luck and congratulations on the new pumpkin. :-)

1 mom found this helpful

I just had it done in june after I had my daughter. I never had any side effects like that but my periods have become heavier, longer, and more painful since.

1 mom found this helpful

I have 2 children. A 5 1/2 year old son, and a 3 1/2 year old daughter. I chose to have the tubal ligation done at the same time they took my daughter c-section.

I had no complications at all whatsoever and am so happy I did it this way. They only thing that was a little upsetting is that I could not deliver at the hospital I originally planned on because it was St. Rose and they won't do tubal ligations there.

Anyway, I would say that recovery-wise I could not feel a difference from when I had my first c-section and the second as well as the tubal. I think that doing it all at once is easiest. (Of course I do, I didn't did it that way.)

It saves on recovery time, just once, not twice. As a side note, you don't have to wait for insurance authorizations, nor do you pay a second copay/deductible or coninsurance. Just a couple of things I thought of! Hope it helps.

Congrats on your upcoming new baby!!

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S.,

I had my tubes tied in November and the only side effect (if that's what you want to call it) honestly, is my periods have reverted back to the way they were when I was a teenager. Simply because they've been controlled for so many of my adult years by hormones. Now I have cramping again and backaches but nothing serious. Since you are simply not allowing the egg to exit the tube, there really is no other medical reason for side effects. I researched this issue as well and I trust my OB/GYN when he tells me there are no side effects! Others might disagree, but I have a feeling there possible side effects are merely coincidence. Having a tubal at the same time as a C-Section is also very smart, since you'll already be dealing with the healing from the major abdominal surgery.

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Hello S.!

Piece of cake! I am on my second Husband - Hee Hee! I had a Daughter, when I was 24, with my first Husband. I had 2 more Girls with my second Husband (10 & 12 years later). When our Youngest was born, I was already considered high-risk only because of my age - a whopping 36 years old! Hahaha! Anyway, we tried that second time for the Boy & we already knew we'd be done having children, either way. I delivered vaginally & had my tubes tied immediately after. They did ask me one more time if I was certain before they did the procedure. I was. I've had NO trouble with side effects at all! No depression, no cramps, no extra bleeding, nothing. I'm pretty healthy & I guess I am blessed & grateful with having no issues. Ultimately, it's your call. Best wishes!

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Just do it! I had this done after my daughter was born I was 32 at the time. I already had twin boys who were 9. It was so easy! After I had her in the morning about 7 a.m. I had the tubal around lunch time. Never had any reaction, depression or anything. It was kind of nice, not having to worry about chances of getting pregnant again. Take Care !

1 mom found this helpful

Hi, S., I have 4 kids ages 20, 16, 6 and 5. After my last one, I requested that my tubes be tied. I had a vaginal birth so I went into surgery the next day. I don't think that I have had any side effects. My periods are shorter which I love. I too do not initiate sex with my husband but I never really did. I had Post Partum with my third child but I was fine with my last one. I was ready, I was 39 when this was done. I know that I have fibroids but they don't bug me either. So, your are doing the right thing. GET A MUCH ADVICE AT YOU CAN. Mostly, talk to your doctor and go with your gut. I do not regret this decision. Good luck.

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I had my tubes tied at age 29. Since I delivered vaginally, I had a separate operation later in the day. My only problem was a reaction to the general anesthesia since my epidural wore off and I needed to be asleep. I don't recall it affecting my moods, although my hubby may say different. =) Just make sure that this is what you and your hubby want. I'm glad I did it-not worry about an oops is a great releif. My husband did offer but I was in the hospital anyway and voluntered.

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HI S.,
I had a tubal ligation at age 35 after a c-section with my 3rd child. My feelings were relief not depression. I had already decided on the procedure before the c-section as we didn't want to face another pregancy after losing our second child due to a rare syndrome. Getting pregnant for the 3rd time was scary until ultrasound confirmed that everything was ok with the baby. Afterward the c-section the doctor told me that if we hadn't already decided on the tubal that he would have highly recommeded it as I had a thin uterine wall and another pregancy would have been dangerous. I didn't have any side effects and I would think there are more side effects from the pill, etc. than from a tubal ligation. If you are concerned, talk to your OB/Gyn about it and get the medical facts. As far as depression -- make sure you are sure that you do not want to have more children before having a tubal ligation. If you have any doubts, don't have the tubal just because it's convenient to have one at the same time as the c-section, you can continue to use other forms of birth control. I'm now 55 and the proud parent of two wonderful young adults! Good luck with whatever decision you make.

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I had heard horror stories as well but what I heard was horrible nasty priods with heavy bleeding. I had my second daughter in May and had a c-section. I had my tubes tied (I am 40 and have two kids and felt I was done) since I was already going to be opened up. I had a little bit of post partum baby blues but it is hard to tell if it is from having my baby or the tubal ligation. I would definately discuss your concerns with your OB-GYN because it is not for everyone. I will tell you that I have had my period twice and have not seen any difference after the surgery than before. I am very happy that I did it.

1 mom found this helpful

You've gotten lots of advice. I just had a tubal ligation after my 6th baby was born 7 weeks ago. I had a vaginal delivery, so they went through my belly button. There was some pain and discomfort for about two weeks, but it was ok.I'm amazed that my period has already returned (I'm exclusively breastfeeding) and it was a normal period. My libido is also very healthy!(even with a newborn). I, too, did a lot of research about post-tubal ligation syndrome and found no scientific evidence of its existence, except an increased risk of menstrual problems in women who have the surgery in their 20's and women who already have menstrual problems. Neither category fit me. God bless your decision!

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I had a tubal during my last c section. Just make sure this is really what you want. I had and still have no regrets. My family is full and happy with just the 4 of us.

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Hi,
I am 32 and had it done during my Csection for my little girl. I have 2 children, a boy and a girl and know that I do not want any more children.I have had no side effects no pain although my period has been a bit heavier than usual. for me it was the right option, although I have had a few moments where I've thought about the finality of it and wonder if I will ever regret it at some point, but after I think it through I am at peace with the decission I have made, but it is highly personal and each woman is unique so really think about it and be as sure as you can be before you go through with it. Take Care.

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Dear S.,

Good grief almighty. Talk with the doctor and ask for medicine for the depression. No, you can't say that you don't like to take drugs. This is not for you, it is so that you can interact properly and happily and with respect and care for your darling children.

It will make the whole family atmosphere easier and will not addict you to anything. Except maybe you will be glad that you don't have to be feeling sad and don't know what to do about it.

You are the heart and soul of your family and you need to remember to take very good care of yourself for your children and husband' sakes.
C. N.