Thinking of Taking Medication for Post Pardom Depression - Need Advice

M.~
Super Kudos to you for knowing your body and knowing that you don't have to feel that way. I had TERRIBLE ppd with this last baby and asked for meds. My doc said "they take a few weeks to work anyway so don't bother". Needless to say, I switched docs....the weeks were going to go by either way, so I opted to spend them getting better. Step one is to make sure you trust your doc, if that is so, then have a frank conversation about meds...they are made for a reason!
Good luck!
~L.

I strongly suggest it!!!! I had post partum depression and didn't take anything with #1. It was horrible. I did with #2 and life was so much better! Plus there is so much more adjustment with 2 that you want to be the best mom you can! They are not addicting and many people take them...more than you ever know!

Definitely wait until you need it before you take meds, and you will know if you need it or not, within a few weeks of the birth of your second one. Take the meds if you need it, I took them after second then stopped a 1 1/2 years later, then had to take them after my third and still taking it, he is 6 now. There is no reason to feel guilty you have to do what is best for your family, if you as a parent are not taking care of yourself how can you expect to be a good parent.

Just another person agreeing with most - that you should wait a couple of weeks before asking for any medication. But if you need it, then TAKE IT and don't feel bad about it. You can't be a good mother if you're not happy and healthy.

I had a good case of the baby blues with my first child and just as I was about to call the doctor (after 5 weeks) it just kind of went away. But I knew there was no way I was going to go through that hell again with my second. I asked my doctor how long I should wait before coming in and she said to give it two weeks. And to my surprise, I was perfectly fine. No baby blues, no depression, nothing - that's why I suggest waiting because it may not happen this time. But if it does, there is no shame in getting the help you need.

Hi M.-
PLEASE do not jump onto the medication until you NEED it. I had PPD with my second child. Starting medication just to try and prevent it will only make you unsure of who YOU are.
Give yourself the 6 week adjustment but be honest and upfront with your doctor and check in often during that time.
Exercise often, color with your 1st born, or do something fun and active together.
Good luck and congratulations on number 2.

I would agree with the wait and see aproach. Just because you had PPD with the first doesn't mean you will have it again. I have suffered depression after the births of some of my children, but not all. Make sure you have good support from family and friends and be aware of your emotional state. Recognize if the PPD comes back, but don't be afraid that it will.

Blessings to you on this new gift!

Let me just say first, way to go, acknowledging this is a great step towards prevention. Secondly, dont feel bad or quilty if you do need to take meds, being healthy is best for your child. There is nothing wrong with having depression, lots of women out there get this way. As for what meds to use, talk to your doctor about what is out there and remember that one pill that works for one person might not work for you. I had to try a couple before I found one that works. Your doctor will know what the side effects and what not of the pill would be. Brooke Sheilds has a book out about her experience with PPD and from what I have heard, it is full of great info on it. I havent read it, but by the time she came out with it, I had experience with it myself. Hopefully you will not have to deal with it, but you are taking some great steps towards getting thru it. Good Luck!

As much as I hate to chirp in with the same thing. I had PPD with my second child. I tried swimming and staying fit but it really didn't work. So I started taking Zoloft, I will say you have to have a strong mind and good support system before you start taking any meds. My husband and family were great to talk to. Remember not to feel bad for taking any meds or seeking help. They are not addicting however do not Just stop taking them you will need to be taken off them slowly under physician supervision.I voluntered with alot of PPD moms so I knew I needed help immediately. Good luck and stay positive.

Hi M.. I had PPD badly after my second child was born. I prefer natural methods when it comes to my health so, I took St. Johns Wort in liquid form (Suggested by my midwife). It made me feel completely better and there were no side effects and safe for my nursing baby. It's a great alternative to anti-depressants if you're hesitant to take them. Good luck!

I also had problems with post partum depression with 2 out of three kids. I did try med. with the last one and it did wonders. I also recomend as much exercise as possible. My DR. recommended trying to walk daily and I seen a difference right away. You can be the judge of how long you need the meds too, but it sure helps get you back on track. Good Luck.

I.

I suffered from post pardom depression after my now 6 year old was born. My sister actually drug me to the doctor and they put me on meds. I did not believe in them. What a miracle, they absolutely made me feel better. I used them for about 1 month or so and then I was fine. Don't put yourself and your family through that again. The meds will help you!!! Congrats on baby number 2!!!!