Post Pardum Depression - Tampa,FL

I have not had post pardum depression but my sister gets it with her pregnancies - I would not wait to see a doctor - if you do not want to take meds hopefully they will have other options for you. I believe it is due to hormonal imbalance which doesn't normally correct itself on it's own which is why you probably shouldn't wait. Good luck :)

You could benefit from some energy balancing (exercises like yoga and tai chi/chi gong, reiki and pranic healing, acupressure, etc.) and some nutritional and herbal approaches to helping rebalance your chemistry. Definitely use the natural approaches if you can.

Don't wait to talk to your doctor! Make an appointment tomorrow. There is no reason why you have to feel this way and suffer through it. You don't necessarily have to go on medication, but the doctor can give you recommendations and help you decide what is right. I have suffered depression in the past and so my OB was closely monitoring me after I delievered. She told me that if I still had any feelings of depression after a few weeks, to come in asap. Baby blues are normal and will go away on their own, post partum depression is not something to sit and wait out. Please call your doctor immediately.

First and foremost, you NEED to talk to your doctor about this. I understand your concern about medication BUT hormones that are unbalanced and making you feel the way you are feeling can make you do unintentional harm to yourself or your baby. Women do not want to think terrible things will happen but they do and it's important to speak to your doctor A.S.A.P.

Yes, most women feel "baby blues" after giving birth. The crying spells are very normal. For most women, it doesn't last long but for others, the "blues" go much deeper and deep depression sets in. When I was pregnant with my 3rd child, I had this overwhelming feeling that I was going to die. Everyday I thanked God I was alive because I just "felt" like something terrible was going to happen to me. Luckily, sometime after the baby was born, the feeling of impending death went away. Every women experiences something different but it is all due to hormones.

As for joining a gym, you can go to your local Walmart and pick up an exercise DVD to work out at home. If the shape of your body is what is bothering you, you can change that with exercise right in the privacy of your own home.

Does your child have allergies? If she is being treated for allergies then you should speak to the pediatrician over your concern of taking her outside. Honestly speaking, fresh air would do both of you wonders.

Will the feelings go away? They may eventually go away on their own but you don't know when that may be. Can you envision feeling like this for 6 months or a year or longer? Talk to your Ob/Gyn. Do it today. These feelings can get worse over time without medication and medication doesn't necessarily mean it will be long term either.

I like you am reluctant to take medication. I struggled with severe depression and anxiety after we lost our home in a hurricane. I finally went to talk to someone and shared with them my reluctancy to take medication right up front. One of my biggest problems was lack of sleep. I had so much anxiety I could not really sleep. I worried about going to sleep and my kids not being there when I woke up. I started drinking to take the edge off, and then my husband said get help. For a little while the alcohol helped take the edge off and I could sleep, but after a while it just intensified the anxiety. My advice to you would be to find some things that help you to get a good night sleep. Also find a church, faith in God while surley help, knowing that you have someone else to talk to and depend on. Good Luck. Know that you are not alone. A lot of women feel or have felt the way you do right now.

Hey E.,

I have had those feelings! Add a little paranoia and that is me. Talk to someone now. Honestly, don't wait. It can't hurt and it will probably help. See if you can get a referral for a therapist who specializes in post-partum. That is what I did. and it really helped.

I also did not want to go on meds, either. However, after a while and some things that happened, I did go on the lowest dosage of Zoloft. I really helped a lot. I'm not trying to talk you into this, I just really want you to know that I hear what you mean. If you do want to know my specific experiences, just send me a message and I will answer.

Don't suffer through this any longer without help. Your reluctance to take meds is quite possibly part of the depression, which throws up so many reasons that "it wouldn't do any good to ____, anyhow." And your doctor may have alternative suggestions that could give you relief without meds. Sometimes just a caring person to talk to makes a world of difference.

Children raised by depressed moms have problems to overcome that children of emotionally resilient mothers do not face, including slower cognitive and emotional development. So do this not only for yourself, but for your child. You both deserve better.

Here's one link, and googling "children of depressed mothers" will bring you many more: http://www.nytimes.com/1994/11/02/us/personal-health-sorr...

Post Partum Depression is common, but NOT normal... you should see your general practioner ASAP and see if they will either write you a script for anti-depressants or maybe a psychologist.

Women, especially Mothers, are expected to do SO MUCH more than men in a relationship - so I can understand your resentment... that part IS normal.

You are not alone and asking your Dr. for help is not a sign of weakness. You need to speak with your husband as well to pick up more slack, so you are not so overrun all the time.

Good luck. Breastfeeding helps with depression also - - and at 4 months, it is not to late to consider relactating!!

I felt the same way after I had my second child. I went to the dr and he put me on meds. They made me more sleepy and let able to take care of my first child. And I was on the lowest amount of meds and the lightest dose possible. I went off the meds and went to a counselor. The counselor was very helpful, insightful and it was hard work, but I think it would have been harder on the meds. I learned how to deal with my emotions and it was worth the trips I made and working hard. I personally went to a Christian counselor and they charged me on a sliding scale. I am not big on psychologists so this was the direction I took. I hope this helps. One last thing, after my father died, my mom went on zoloft, and now she has night jerks. She found out after the fact that this was a side effect. So be careful with any medicine.

Some women have suggested Yoga. I'm pretty sure they have a free yoga class at the Lotus Room on Thursday's. Yes, I found the link. https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/asp/home.asp?studioid=...
I do agree you need to see your OB/GYN. Best wishes. Be proud of yourself for reaching out to your peers.

You can take very large dosages of All b vitamins to pull yourself out of the depression. Check if there is a doc in the area that gives genova diagnostic testing its called a nutrieval. You can google the company and they will give you a doc in your area. I would minimally start on high Stress /b vitamins ASAP Solary has one I take.Go to a healthfood store. Finding out your levels is the best answer. When I took the massive amount of B's it pulled me out of the depression in about 1 week. I was running on zero. I still take them today.
Good luck K.

I have never been on meds, and was always against them, however, 3 months ago when I had my 2nd son, I had the baby blues pretty bad some days. After a long talk w/ my husband (who was always like me w/ meds, until he got sent to the hospital on Christmas, and was prescribed meds) I realzed that meds aren't so bad if they can fix your problem(just don't over do it, with meds). You can either live w/ your problem or take a small pill to help you feel better and he decided a small pill would be better than being miserable. My ppd subsided w/ in a few weeks, so meds weren't neccesary, but I would have considered it, if it had gotten any worse. I wouldn't wait, sometimes just talking to your Dr. can make you feel better. I fealt much better when my husband brought it up to our babies pediatrician. She made me feel much better. Hope you feel better, and take your baby for a walk, the sun is a healer you know. You both just might feel better if you get some fresh air!

Have you tried reading? Sounds like you need a quiet space of your own. Reading a good book can put you in your own little world for awhile, without any stress. After having the twins, I needed to get away sometimes. As for the walk, cover the stroller with a blanket.

E.,
Definitely talk to your physician -- since you are opposed to medication, there are some herbal supplements which can be effective as anti-depressants. The other thing I want to encourage you about it exercising - even if it's just short stroller walks - if you're concerned about the pollen, you could cover the open area of the baby's stroller with cheesecloth - it is a breathable, gauzy type material - you can get it at fabric or craft stores. I am also really short on funds - but there is a great new gym called Youfit that is only $10 a month! Seriously! It's $10 a month with no contract, so you can cancel anytime without paying a penalty. When you sign up it is $30 (which covers your first month, last month and the sign up fee -- that's it). It is a green facility and they don't have daycare or a swimming pool/hot tub. But they are open great hours (Mon-Thur 5am-midnight, Fri 5am-10pm, and Sat/Sun 8am-8pm) so maybe you could get somebody to watch the kids or go for just an hour while your husband is at home. Their website is www.youfithealthclubs.com so you can see if there's one near you in Tampa. God bless you - and remember a happy mama makes happy children - take care of yourself first! You deserve it!!!
Take care,
Kristen

Dear E., You are so not alone. Good for you for writing to inquire. It also sounds like your are a great momma and taking care of your baby really nicely.

I would talk to a doctor.

I would also find time to do nice (inexpensive) things for yourself: take a long bath, paint your toes, read a magazine, go for a walk with a girlfriend, dance to music.

as far as going outside, i am not an expert on pollen/allergy issues, but I think a little fresh air and sunshine is important for your mood and for your baby. ask your doctor. maybe even walk around an indoor mall if he instructs you to stay inside.

Good Luck and keep us posted.

Hi- Wow- a four year old and a four month old!!!
Alot!!
It is diet really really really- making a body for a baby takes alot out of you-- and depression is when you are out of B vits, and other proper nutrition- check out my favorite WestonPrice.com and they will tell you what nutrient dense food- and get you back to normal for yu.
You are sooooooooooooooo correct- you are not drug deficient!!! Give your body what it needs and it will not be pulling you down.
Best of luck, let me know if I could help, k

No, it's not normal, although it happens to lots of people! It IS a chemical imbalance and not caused by anything you have or have not done. You can't help it, just like you can't help getting a virus or any other illness. I know things can seem overwhelming, but definitely talk to your husband--show him the post and replies if that's easier. After that, going to your doctor is a great first step.

I've never been on meds, but I wasn't diagnosed with my ppd until nearly a year later. I was almost overf it on my own, anyway. I wouldn't want meds if it were just me, but I know when I get at all depressed, I get snappy with the kids, too, and I hate that.

Also, I've had great luck with acupuncture for my episodes of depression. Eating nutritious food and exercise (not to lose weight--althought that may happen, but to feel good) help a lot! If you can't take your daughter outside right now, can you walk in the morning or evening when your husband is home? Getting outside is always great! Covering the stroller with a blanket is a great idea too.

Just getting some people you trust aware of your condition and on your side will be a huge help! Good luck--

Hello E.-

I know of an organization in Oregon called Baby Blues Connection who helps Mom's suffering from post pardum.

www.babybluesconnection.org

I am sure they would help you, listen, give helpful hints.

Finding support from other Mom's who have been there will help you so much.

Best wishes!

R. Magby

Hang in there mama! I’ve totally been there. I experienced Post Partum depression after my second daughter. Here are some things that have helped me get through some of the rough times.
1. Yoga has been an incredible release for me. It is my time to relax and start over. I feel like I get a restart every time I go and I look forward to it. Check out www.corepoweryoga.com They have a work for trade program where you can clean the studio once a week for a couple hours in exchange for free, unlimited yoga.
2. Anti-depressants can help in the short-term to help you get back up on your feet, or long-term if you need them to maintain balance and stability in your life. Millions of people are on medications, so try to have judgment on yourself.
3. An alternative treatment for depression and anxiety is an herbal supplement called Luminex. Do some research and look into it further. It contains natural ingredients including St Johns Wart, griffonia seed, folate, and vitamin B12 that help with depression and anxiety. My husband and I both started taking it last month and we noticed a difference within a couple of days. Let me know if you are interested or have any questions.

E., you are not alone. We often think we're bad people for feeling these things, and we're as normal as they come! I know why you don't want to be on meds! I didn't want to become numb to my emotions, but there comes a time where you might want to give in to the idea. I would consider looking at getting on something, and plan for it to be temporary until you start feeling better. You husband and older child will thank you, because the truth is they cannot relate, and are probably thinking you're "crazy". Husbands cannot comprehend the emotional roller coaster of a women and her hormones. They're missing that sensitivity chip, remember?

Your short fuse could get a lot worse. Are you getting enough sleep with the infant? Does your husband need to take a shift? Another thought...although the baby is still a baby, you need to make time for you and your husband. Just 1 night a week, an hour long dinner out, a long walk since it's so nice out now. (if you have child care). Reconnect those aspects of your life that you're unhappy with right now. Take an hour to leave the house with the 4 year old and go to the book store, sit in the corner and look and books, or go for a milkshake!!