Postpartum Depression - Chicago,IL

I had pp depression although I didn't want to admit it to myself or anyone else until my daughter was 3 mos old. As everyone has pretty much said, call a Dr. right away. Be aware, however, that a psychiatrist may be the best route to go. I did my reasearch and found that zoloft was the least secreted into breastmilk and had to basically convice my OB to prescribe me that. What I didn't know is that for the first 1-2 weeks zoloft makes most people VERY anxious. And apparently neither did my OB who told me to take an antihistamine and that the anxiety was just my pp depression. I called a psychiatrist who worked with me on gradually increasing my dose instead of just going whole hog. If you aren't breastfeeding, they can prescribe valium or something for the short term until your body gets used to the meds if that's needed. But once I did get used to the zoloft, things REALLY started to get better. Therapy does help a lot too, so don't overlook that if you go the medication route.

Dear L.,

There is a hormone balance cream called "Prolief" that helps to balance your estrogen and progesterone. Often, there is an imbalance with your hormones that puts you out of wack. This cream is bioidentical and plant based so it is recognized in the body the same as what the body naturally produces. It comes in a metered pump and you apply from days 12-26 of your cycle; 1 pump a day. It costs $30 for about a 2+ months supply.

I just discovered it in March and though I am past the baby blues stage, my kids are 2, 4 and 6. I was experiencing major PMS and went to my OB/GYNC who suggested an anti-dep. I found Prolief when I was looking for a more natural alternative. It has helped me SO MUCH! My periods are lighter, my moods are constant, I'm a better Mom and a happier, more settled person. I've read much about it's other uses and postpartum depression is one of many!

It isn't sold in stores but through networkmarketing (like Mary Kay or Tupperware). If you are interested, send me an email and I'll let you know how/where to get it and I can give you a list of books to read on the subject as well. My email address is ____@____.com Luck with whatever you end up doing. One thing to know, is it's temporary. You will find a solution and there will be better days!!!

Hey L. -
First of all , don't worry, it gets better!
I actually went to my physician about it. They gave me a written test, and prescribed some meds.
I felt better in a couple of weeks.
Therapy can also help, but I didn't have the time for it.
If money is an issue, there are clinics all over chicago that will provide counseling based on income.
I'm sure that your doctor will have references for a couple.
My direct email is ____@____.com you want more info, or just someone to talk to.......
I know how hard this can be.
- A.

L.,
I just had the Baby Blues. I know there is a therapeutic class through Northwestern Prentice Hospital. It would be a group of women who just had children and are all going through PPD. There are volunteers there who will take care of your baby for an hour who are excellent. look at the northwestern website, I think it is www.nmh.org. I also took a different class there called Transition to Motherhood where you will meet many other new moms who are all experiencing the same adjustments. I recall there were 2 therapists who came to speak. I really liked one of them but can't recall her name. My class was great and I know a couple of the girls in my class had PPD and took the therapeutic class. You do not have to have delivered at Northwestern to take these classes either.
If you feel that you or your baby are in immediate danger than call your OB ASAP. Many have therapists on staff in their offices.
Good Luck. Your baby loves you and needs you!

I am a psychologist who works with postpartum issues and can recommend some books if your interested. I have them at my office and can't remember the names off the top of my head. If you are interested, let me know ____@____.com

good luck

M.

WE CAN HELP, IF YOU NEED SUPPORT/ADVICE, GIVE US A CALL FOR SHORT TERM THERAPY.

BOKINA AND BRIGHT COUNSELING SERVICES
1580 NORTHWEST HIGHWAY SUITE 125
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KATHRINE BOKINA, MA, LCPC

I had a real problem with postpartum depression. It can end, but you need to call your doctor immediately. Call your OB/GYN or your family doctor. Both can help. They can start you on medication if it is necessary, and they can refer you to a good psych. doctor. You may need counseling for awhile...it really helps to have someone to talk to. I wish you well...make that phone call TODAY. Know that you are not alone in this. Your doctor is there to help you!

Good luck and God bless,

N.

please e-mail me if you need to talk ____@____.com

HI L.,

First make sure that it is truly PPD that you are suffering from. The term is often over used in relation to Postpartum Depressive Disorders.

The first level of disorder is the Baby Blues:
80% of new moms
Happens usually between the 3rd and 14th day of giving birth but can occur any time in the first 3 months
Inability to sleep
Mood Disturbance
Restlessness
Uncontrollable crting
Lack of energy
Feeling sad, irritable and/or feeling futile

Depression:
10% of new moms
Usually 3-4 weeks of giiving birth but can happen anytime in the 1st year
Chronic tiredness
Delayed return or period
Overdemnding: high expectations
Can't make sense of feelings
Locked into a mood of dispair
Nothing restores energy
Feeling trapped, guilty, lethargic, inadiquacy
Withdrawl from friends
Weight gain
Sever mood swings
Difficulty concentrating
No joy of life
Loss of libido

Psychosis:
1 or 2 of every thousand new moms
Usually sudden; between 3rd and 14th day or within the first 3 months
Agitation
Bursts of anger
Hysteria-mania
Racing thoughts
Lack of concern for self and baby
Irrational thoughts
Suicidal thoughts
Homicidal thoughts
Frantic rapid speech
Panic attacks
Talks on the phone/others for hours
Inability to care for self and baby
Paranoia
Insomnia
Hallucinations

Information and support is available at Depression After Delivery (http://www.behavenet.com/dadinc/) and at 800.944.4PPD
also ###-###-####

Postpartum Support International at www.chss.iup.edu/postpartum

Postpartum Education for Parents at www.sbpep.org

The prognosis for any of these disorders is good as long as help is sought. Treatments can be prescriptive, theraputic or even just getting some day help to reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Good luck to you,
L.

Call your ob/gyn immediately, and tell them you think you're suffering from more than the baby blues. Sometimes they will prescribe over the phone without seeing you, but it will be important for you to also get a referral from them for a good therapist -- whether a licensed clinical social worker, a psychologist, or a psychiatrist (only this person can prescribe medication). There are several good medications out there that are only minimally secreted in breast milk, if you're concerned about that -- Zoloft and Wellbutrin are two of those.

If you think you're in danger of hurting yourself or your baby, call your hospital where you delivered - most have a number for a post-partum depression hotline. Common symptoms are sleepiness, irritability, crying, obsessive behavior (like a fear that you can't get out of your head), etc.

It's important to get help, and remember that if you think you're suffering from it, that you figure out how to get some time for yourself if at all possible -- lots of factors can make it worse, from fatigue (what new mom doesn't have it?) to the everyday stresses. And post-partum depression can happen anytime up to a year after your baby is born.

Check out Babycenter.com for more info. Also search "postpartum depression" on google, and there's lots of info. Also Brooke Shields' book, "Down Came the Rain" is helpful.

Hang in there, good luck, and know you're not alone!

Prentice Women's Hospital and a "New Moms Support Group" that is truly wonderful. It saved me when I wasn't sure what to do. I was crying all the time, I had panic attacks and I didn't eat for three weeks (losing 30 pounds, but I'd rather have been happy).

Carrie Feig is the facilitator. The class meets MOndays from 11:45 to 1:15. There are trained volunteers that watch your baby right next store and come to get you for diaper changes or feedings. Otherwise, they are great with the kids.

I don't have the phone number on me, but you can call Prentice and they'll have Carrie call you back.

The group was WONDERFUL for me. I also made my best two mommie friends.

I also has some postpartum depression, mine was mostly being emotional and crying over nothing.......I let it pass, you might have to talk to your doctor for some recommendations.
Good luck and know that it will pass.
C.

I would suggest calling the hotline 866-ENH-MOMS. It is a hotline just for postpartum depression. They can help you find a doctor, counselor, or support group in your area where you can get help. Free, confidential, and available 24/7.

hi L.-
you can call your ob doctor and they can send you in the right direction. they deal with this all the time. maybe a anti-depression medicine wil help you. it helps me alot! i have a 7 week old and a 21 month old.
if you want to talk please e-mail me back.
H.

Hi L.,

I struggled with prenatal and postpartum depression and had a difficult time finding help. I do go to a wonderful therapist and psychiatrist. The therapist's name is Dr. Karen Jaffe, and her phone number is ###-###-####. She sees people in Winnetka and also downtown. Dr. Susan Anderson is a wonderful psychiatrist and her number is ###-###-####. She sees people near Old Orchard. I also found a post partum support group at Northwestern (check their website). There is also a free support group at Alexian Brothers Hospital in Buffalo Grove. Leslie Lowell-Stoutenburg runs this group, and she is a wonderful support and resource.

Please know that you're not alone. Feel free to write back if you need to talk.

M.