PCP Or OB-GYN?

Go to the Dr you feel most comfortable with. I went to my OB/GYN. (She is the GREATEST!!!) She put me on Welbutrin XL and I feel much better.
Good Luck!

Honestly I would go to both. They may have different opions, but sometimes they know us in different ways. I have a better relationship with my OB, but that is because I didnt go to my PCP during my preg or post. I only went to my OB. My PCP didnt even know I had a baby till I told him on the phone. If I had to choose def OB. They will give you great references to someone if they didnt take care of those issues.

You poor thing! You're in a rough state. Do please go get some help. It seems like going to a doctor for this kind of thing is so intimidating, and they have a way of acting so busy that it's easy to talk yourself right out of going, but I think you'll be very glad you went. If it were me, I would go to my OB, and here's why:

1. I have seen my OB more often, and have a better relationship with him than I do with my PCP. It would be a lot easier for me to talk about something like my depression with someone I feel more comfortable with.

2. Frequently these things are hormonal and are very much in the scope of expertise of an OB. You'd be surprised how much he can do to help.

While I have never been through this personally, my mom has. She tried both doctors, and the OB/GYN was the doctor who was able to help her the most. It turned out that her depression was a lot greater than the usual post-partum, but caused by some of the same sorts of changes in her body. Along with the help of her doctor, she also needed the love and support of the rest of her family. She said she often felt that it was all her fault, that she was being silly, and that she should just "get over it." Please don't think that way, you're going through something very real, and it's not your fault.

I hope everything goes well for you and that you can get through this. Hugs!

Hi L.,

Definetly go see your primary Dr.ALONE. Trust me you are NOT the only one feeling like that! I too felt the same way, always snapping at my son, boyfriend, everyone.....I couldnt stand to be even around myself....I finally confided with my Dr and she helped with some anti-depressants that have SO helped me. Keep in mind, even your birthcontrol could be part of the culpret in how you are feeling. Make sure she understands what exactly you are going thru and all the meds you are on. I actually prefer speaking to my Dr who is a female, because i feel she understands how i feel and what all goes on around me. Dont be embarrased or scared, thats what they are there for, and i had to make myself realize that too. I am not one to talk to anyone about my feelings....she helped me so much! Dont hesitate, You deserve to be HAPPY again! I also had to think about what was making me unhappy as well, my job, (i HATED) i realized i was doing this for everyone else but me. Make sure you get yourself some YOU time too..its important. Those darn dishes can sit in the sink another hour or even a day longer. Your husband needs to pitch in too and realize this new baby is new to you BOTH and you BOTH need to do the work! NOT JUST YOU!!! Good luck and let me know if you need to talk more....ill give you my email!!
Hugs!
L.

I would say go to your PCP. if he thinks it ppd he will perscribe something and if he thinks its more serious he may refer you to someone else who will help you better

First of all, I went through the same thing! Do not feel like you are alone! The first thing I did was go to my PCP and have a physical and bloodwork to rule out any physiological causes of my depression & lack of energy. When all my tests came back normal, my PCP referred me to an excellent therapist. Sometimes you just need to let it all out to someone who isn't going to judge or make you feel worse. It is so hard, I know, I've been there! But just know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and there are people to help you through to the other side!

Hi L.,

I feel for you as I have been there myself. PPD can begin any time during the first year after childbirth. I would call your PCP (I would think your OB would probably refer you to your PCP). I would also encourage you to talk to a therapist (I'm sure your PCP can recommend someone good) about how you're feeling. Even if you get a prescription for an antidepressant, talking with a therapist can really help and make it easier to manage your depression, especially when you eventually taper off the meds. You are not alone! Best of luck to you.

WOW! I have been there. At least you are aware now, it took me till my son was 10 months old. I am going to say go to your PCP because my OB-GYN blew me off when I suggested it(now this was 6 years ago). I actully went straight to a psychologist, but I am sure the PCP will be able to help you as as well.
Good luck and please ask for help when you need it. Get away from the baby when you feel you need to and DO NOT FEEL GUILTY about it. You have done NOTHING wrong....it just happens.
Best wishes!
D.

I would try the PCP, and if they don't feel they can help, they will probably refer you to a psychiatrist. It's actually common to kick in or peak around 4-5 months as the hormones shift.

They should do a metabolic panel on you to check for obvious hormonal imbalances (thyroid, cortisol, and insulin issues being two of the biggies) before jumping to antidepressants.

You can also make sure you're getting proper nutrition. Deficiencies in B vitamins, iron, zinc, amino acids, and omega-3's; or consuming too much of bad things like artificial sweeteners and dyes, MSG, unfermented soy products, corn syrup, refined sugars and starches, can really cause problems. And when we need good nutrition the most, with all the work and stress of a small baby, is when we tend to eat the worst. You could try to do a week of really healthy eating and see if that makes a difference.

I have several friends who say their PPD didn't start until around 4 or 5 months. You could go to either doctor, but I'd probably pick my OB because he/she has way more experience in dealing with PPD. Definitely don't be afraid to ask for some help. I think it's great that you're aware of it and I hope you're feeling better soon. Hugs!

Call your PCP. Good luck. I went through it, too. It's tough.
~~~~HUGS~~~~
T.

I have suffered with Depression after all 3 of my kids but never did anything about it until my last one.. Wish I would have gone to the Dr's after the first two.. I would call your PCP.. They put me on lexapro and I can't be happier.. Got rid of the blues and the bitchyness.. I know what you are going through.. I hate being on meds but I rather be on them then suffer.. I am back to my old self..

I'm sure you could talk to either about this, but maybe talk to your OBGYN first. I went through this after I had my son and still battle it here and there. It was difficult over the summer (when he was 4-5 months old)because I was home with him all day, everyday and had too much time to think about everything and anything and get annoyed/upset. I talked to my dr. and she prescribed me something and gave me a list of people to call. The medication seemed to help and I really would like to talk to someone, I just don't know where I could fit into my schedule right now.
It is diffiucult to go through and in my case, I just fel that no one could understand and I wanted to be alone. If you need someone to talk to, let me know. I understand what you are going through.
-J.

Behavioral Health has excellent Therapists if you would just like someone to talk to about your depression.