Anyone Have Experience with PPD?

Hi M.,

With my first daughter I had PPD and didn't realize / believe anything was wrong. I cried a lot, hardly ate and when I did it was because I was nursing and knew I had to eat so I could feed her. I too did not want to take any meds but looking back I wish I had gotten help sooner, I was such a mess the twelve weeks I was home w/her that I didn't enjoy it, even know 3 plus years later it is still so upsetting when I think about it. My OB told me to call the Postpartum Stress Center in Rosemont and I spoke to Marcie Weiner, I also ended up going on Zoloft for about 6 months and it really helped, I only wish I had done something sooner.(http://www.postpartumstress.com/staff_mweiner.html)

Good Luck and please let me know how you make out.

S.

Try talking to your doctor about hypothyroidism. I was completely fine after my first child. But with my second child, when I went in for my 6-week postpartum checkup, I found out my thyroid was way out of whack. It certainly did explain why all of the sudden I was extremely tired, lacked the initiative to do anything, and was just overall run down.

Hopefully this isn't the case for you, but worth getting checked out. Good luck!

Hi M.

I experienced PPD after my first pregnancy. PPD doesn't come in one shape and size. It can occur at a different time after pregnancy for anyone and can involve many different symptoms, physical and emotional. My PPD was almost immediate and involved severe anxiety and fear that something was going to happen to my baby. I was unable to sleep and started to cry a lot because I was exhausted and afraid. I loved my baby with all my heart and did not feel "depressed." That all being said, having a new baby to take care of is just plain exhausting and that in itself can cause the symptoms you describe. My advice is talk to your doctor and if the doctor thinks it may be PPD then consult a psychologist or psychiatrist that deals specifically with PPD. I was able to use very short term medication to get some sleep and recharge and talk therapy helped me more than anything. I did not have to take the classic depression meds that I also wanted to avoid.

Keep family and friends close at hand and accept their help in any way possible so you can rest and recharge.

Best of luck to you and your new blessing!

Hi M.,
I definitely experienced PPD with my daughter. I remember people around me all said that I had it and I was sure I did not. I had depression as a teenager and this was so completely different so I was sure it was not it. In hindsight, it is very clear to me now that I did. I was so so so tired and just did not want to go about my daily activities at all. I just did not have much interest in anything. I did not want to go on meds because although some meds are safe for babies who are being breastfed, I just did not feel comfortable with it. I nursed for 6 months and after when my milk started to dissipate, my mood began to change. Now looking back, I probably would have made the same decisions now as I did then, but I won't lie, it was really, really, really tough without the medication. I wish you the best of luck. I think the best thing that happened to me during that time was a best friend who reminded me that I was a person outside of my child and I deserved to be cared for also.

I think the people around you are right - you need to reach out to your doctor, but I wouldn't hop on the PPD bandwagon just yet. Are you breastfeeding, taking vitamins, getting enough rest? You could be anemic or sleep dreprived. Or you could have PPD. I have 3 children and had PPD with the last 2. I lacked energy and desire to leave the house. It was a tought time; I didn't want the meds but in the end they were a temporary aide that got me through a very rough time. PPD affects people differently and only your doctor can best tell counsel you on what will help you. The rest of us are just trying to help based on our own experiences. Good luck - I know it's hard but you will make it through.

I would definitely check with your Dr. to rule out anything medical (i.e. the thyroid issues the other response suggested, or anemia) b/c the symptoms you are mentioning could also be signs of a physical issue. However, they also sounds like they could be PPD, especially if you are feeling any anxiety, trouble sleeping, lack of motivation, etc. I had my son 5 months ago, and started with PPD symptoms almost immediately. For me, going on meds 4 weeks postpartum was the best thing I ever did. I felt like a whole new person and became a much better mom and wife. I am also nursing exclusively, but I have been reassured by my dr, and many other breastfeeding moms, that Zoloft is safe to take while nursing. Things like talk therapy, good excercise, getting out and keeping busy, taking time for yourself, getting lots of sleep, and eating healthy, can also help. Good luck!

As a former labor and delivery nurse I can tell you that post partum depression is something to be taken seriously. I can't stress enough that you should call your OB - ask to talk to the nurse. Usually they will triage you over the phone and will bring you in to be seen if necessary. Sometimes it is enough to have someone to talk to. You have already made the first step by reaching out to others, now it is time for you to call your OB and speak to the nurse. Let them decide what help you may need - they are trained to deal with any issues of childbirth - especially post partum depression.

Please get help - your baby needs you.
I'll keep you in my prayers...
J. H