Post Partum Depression - Attica,NY

Hang in there! Give the anti-depressants time to kick in. You won't become dependent on them. The side effects may be bad in the beginning, but will lessen in time.

I think the world would be a better place if zoloft were in the water! But seriously, there are other drugs and options but don't ignore it, there is help out there. If you get a chance, read Brooke Shields book "Down Came the Rain." It deals with her experience with PPD. Good Luck.

L.

K.--
I went to a chiropractor/homeopath for my ppd/perimenopause/
need-to-get-a-divorce-depression( are you laughing yet?) because I decided to get rid of what was depressing me instead of taking meds, and wanted to get thru the morass more naturally then with the Prozac/whatever-the-heck it was after Prozac. To make a long story short, I am taking supplements/vitamins and doing much better then i did on the antidepressant because I had only one side effect--the feeling of control. If you can get out to Hauppauge, the doc's name is Robert Capuano and he's helped me and many others that i know.
Lots of hugs, m'dear. If you want his number let me know.
A. B

Hi K. -

I was also prescribed a low dosage of Zoloft for PPD when my son was born. I can honestly say I don't know how I would've gotten through that time without it. I didn't experience any side effects feelings of dependency, so I can't speak to that part of your question. What I did experience was the ability to focus on the good and let the anxiety go. I spent the first few weeks after the birth crying all the time - even when I was eating or showering - and I wanted to stop but couldn't. The Zoloft took away that sense of desperation. It doesn't make you feel euphoric or high, it just helps you deal with things better and with a better level of patience.
I would advise you to give the Zoloft a try for a couple of weeks. If it doesn't help, go off it. Try a different prescription, or try something homeopathic.
One more thing, I know you said you prefer to handle things without meds, and that's fine for you, but now you have your baby (and the rest of your family) to think about, and if meds are what's going to help, don't feel bad about using them.
Good luck to you K.!
F. in Howell

Sorry K.,

PPD is a hard thing to handle. I'd suggest getting help from someone other than your OB/GYN. In fact, they can refer you to someone to talk to. Which is the best medicine of all!!

The Zoloft will help tremendously but it will take 5-14 days to get into your blood stream and will then make you feel better (I was on an anti depressant for PPD but not Zoloft). And don't worry about addiction - once you are ready to go off of it, the doctor will advise you on how to wean off of it (lower doses for a week or two, then every other day for a week and every third day, etc.). Just be sure to get his/her input when you feel you're up to going off (most PPD sufferers stay on meds for a year). Something like Xanax (anti anxiety) is highly addictive! So stay away from that if you can. Although a little bit won't hurt if you really need it as some women do.

Remember, you will fell better soon - and you've done the right thing by telling people that you are not feeling yourself. Hang in there! And remember, the sooner you get back to your old self, the better off your family will be. I know! I'm back to work and we are all doing really well!!

Hey K.,
Like you I never suffered from depression....but about 2 weeks after my daughter was born it hit me hard...I didnt want to do anything, never mind care for my daughter...I ended up having to see a lactation specialist and broke down there...it was crazy because I knew I felt down but could never pinpoint what exactly I was upset about...I do have to tell you that once I went back to work, when my daughter was 4 months I felt 100% better...I ended up having to have my gallbladder out when she was 3 months and was pretty sick for about a month, so I think that added to everything else for me....Do you have any family or friends that can help you out? I had my Mom stay with me for 2 weeks because my husband's job didnt allow him to take any time off to be with me....I was happy that she was there to keep me company, but I cant say that it helped me feel any better...So after my longwinded response..LOL...It will get better and I would say should go away in another month or so...I found the computer and email were a huge help for me...I kept in contact with my coworkers via email and they all sent me words of encouragement, which I know was a big help...Im here if you would like to chat more....just try to keep your head up and know that this is only temporary!! Ill keep you in prayer!
Meg :)

Hi K.,
I'm sorry to see that you're feeling so bad. It seems you need help on all levels and the meds may only provide a starting point. Is it possible you can get physical help with the home and kids' stuff to get some time for yourself? You'd be then in a position to help yourself beyond the meds and make a plan that works for you.
It's overwhelming to have to respond to the demands of young babies -even one but many of the people around us don't know it and expect that we can do this independently. If this is your case, I would strongly suggest getting support from people so you can build your inner strength. You'll feel better and be more available for your kids. Depression makes you emotionally unavailable and creates more demands by the kids because they need you more. Vicious cycle.

Some practical points on the meds... If your doctor is not concerned about your emotional well-being aside from perscriptions you should seek one who does and is trained for emotional health (psychotherapist or even local support groups that are free). Secondly, if you do begin the meds, you can establish a timeframe ahead of time for stopping them and a back-up plan for when that time expires. With depression, medication can help clear the heaviness so that you may function better, so can give you a head-start but will not take care of you like you need to be taken care-of.

When you're able to address your health you may want to consider a diet aimed at health (rather than weight) goals and try local yoga classes tailored for moms (good physical and mental focus and potential connections with lots of others with similar experiences).

Good luck, things will indeed get better.
-S.

PLEASE do not stop nursing!!! I had severe PPD and took the necessary meds throughout that were safe and there are very few medications that interfere with the incredible benefits from breastfeeding. It's not too late if you only wrote that post yesterday. Please don't stop breastfeeding. You need to give your baby that. There are just too many benefits that outweigh any risk. Please e-mail me at ____@____.com

There are NO addictive properties to anti-depressants and Zoloft is the perfect choice for breastfeeding - I did it for more than a year. GET ON IT NOW. PPD will not go away on it's own for more than a year and you can die from it due to depression. You will recover but you MUST get help now. You can safely breastfeed. Go to PPSI Post partum support international.

Good morning K.
I had the same thing with my son I did not have ppd and with my daughter I did. I did some research on the online and did find that it is more common with girls than boys because you have her hormones in you as well and you get rid of them so fast sometimes it is to fast and causes ppd. I took meds for 2 or 3 months and than I stopped and I seem like I am fine. I dont have medical training in this but i would think something like this you should treat and not try to do without meds even if for a few months for your own health and you children because they need you to be stable to talk care of them.

I know this is hard right now and I can understand how you feel. I felt like I was not a good mom because of it and that I let everyone down. Hang in there, it will get better.
J.

Hi K. -
My MD gave me Zoloft after my Dad died 11 days after my first son was born. I took it for two weeks, and then weaned myself off it, because I didn't feel I needed it. (I was too excited about my newborn, and had mourned my Dad before my son was born, when I found out he wasn't coming home again.)

I took Paxil after my second son was born. I, too, felt a difference the day after I started taking it, and it was well worth it! Like you, I didn't want to take meds, wanted to do "natural things", but I just couldn't. It doesn't mean you've failed - it means you are realistic. I took Paxil for over one year - I was about to wean myself off when my Aunt passed away, and I was executrix of her estate (oh yeah - she lived 4 hours away...). The thing is when you decide to go off, you can't go off cold turkey...you must wean yourself off it. Check with your doctor for the exact schedule you need with Zoloft, but what I did with the Paxil was I did every other day for about a week, and then every third day for about a week, and then every fourth day til I finished the bottle. (NOTE - I still had one refill left on my script when I did this...) I know my MD kept in touch with me a lot more when I was on Paxil than when I wasn't to make sure I wasn't getting dependent.

HTH.
L.

K.-First let me start by letting you know I am a Clinical Psychologist specializing in work with children/adoelscents and their families, NOT a psychopharmacologist (meaning I can not presecribe meds nor have I been trained to do so). I understand your concern about taking medication however, maybe it will help to explain what they do and why they really help. First Zoloft can not, will not change your personality. What it will do is allow a chemical already in your body but currently deficient (resulting in the depression) to be available so that you will feel better.

I would suggest that in addition to taking the Zoloft you may want to see a counselor (for example a psychologist or social worker).Ask the prescribing doctor for recommendations. What will make you feel even better is the combination of therapy & the medication (research indicates that the combination of the two is best). You may also want to find a support group-your local hospital may be able to guide you. You are not alone!!! This is common talking to other women who get "it" may help you feel better.
One last thing-think about the medication like this-if you had a heart condition or Diabetes would you hesitate to take the prescribed medications?
At minimum continue to reach out (like you have done by writing this e-mail).
Lastly, but most important. call your doctor and explain your concerns about medications. He/she may also know of a support group.
Good luck & know you are not alone even though the Depression may make you feel that way at times.

One last thing-"herbal remedies"may be suggested but please remember-they too are drugs (just not tested or approved by the FDA)
Oh, one last thing, they are not addictive (chemically speaking) so you CAN NOT become dependent.

K.,
I know that you have gotten a lot of advice already, and normally I wouldn't add to such a long list of information, but depression is a personal topic of mine. I was shocked to discover that I had ppd. I have always been the emotionally strong one, able to handle anything. For my two month old to cause me to cry three times a day, it just didn't make logical sense. I went on medication (not Zoloft, something else) and found that when I took it in the morning, I'd feel woozy for the first four hours of the day. Then, I switched to taking it at night, and I felt fine by day. After two weeks, I changed back to taking it in the morning, and there were no side effects.
K., take the medication. PPD is real, it's not just in your head. With your doctor's approval, after a few weeks, you can gradually stop taking the RX. Don't stop cold on your own, though.

Do post a new question about IUD's. I'll answer that too since I have a Mirina. It's great!

I don't like to take meds either, but if things are really bad... Antidepressants like Zoloft are not addictive, though valium and lorazipam are. If you are nursing you should be very careful about what you take and check with your doctor.
Yes, ppd does go away. Most people I know who have taken Zoloft for ppd take it for only 6 months. Natural alternatives? Who can exercise at home with 2 little ones- I bet the older one climbs on top of you while you try to do sit-ups. Try checking out a local health club with a day care (some take babies as young as 3 months in their daycare). I joined a health club when my little one was 4 months -- wow, what a difference- I swim! Natural remedies- St. John's Wort tea is supposed to help but I don't know (do not take if nursing). A good diet is a good idea.

I tried to avoid meds too...but I finally accepted I needed a little outside help - and Zoloft worked for me...I'm not sure about ppd, but would assume that hormones do have something to do with it...but don't quote me on that.

I think that maybe because you really don't want to be on the prescription is why you were feeling the side effects...I don't know that you can really feel them so quickly...I believe it takes 2 weeks for the meds to start taking effect.

There is nothing wrong with you and nothing wrong with getting some help - for now it's best for you and your family...You have 2 kids who are so close in age...mine are 16 months apart and it is a lot of hard work. I bet a year from now you'll be a whole new you - (and keep trying with the exercising...it does help!)

Best wishes to you - contact me if you wish.
J.

I needed meds for ppd too. I can't remember which one it was but I know it saved my family. The meds help your hormones go back to normal. You will wean off of them in a few months and never know you even needed them. I don't take meds unless I really need them and I needed them. Get a second opinion if you must. I didn't want to believe I had ppd because I didn't think you could have it if you really wanted your baby. I was soooo wrong and so glad I followed the advice of the doctor. Feel free to ask me more questions about my experience if you would like.

Hi;
I suffered ppd with my first child (a girl). Didn't go to the Dr about it and didn't take any meds. I didn't talk to anyone (except my parents) about it. I didn't have any thoughts of harming myself or my child, I just was down and cried a lot (my daughter had colic) b/c I felt like an inadequate mother. Nothing came naturally like I thought it would and since I couldn't stop my daughter from crying, I felt like a failure.
How bad are you feeling?
Also - don't worry about exercising per se. Just get outside with the kids... being in the fresh air will do you a world of good. Rolling a ball on the grass with your first child while the baby sits in the stroller, will give you a little peaceful/fun time... and it's active - a benefit to you too.
I found it so helpful to just cry to my parents every day and to hear them tell me that I was doing a fine job. I also emailed a good friend who had "hard" babies and dealt with lots of crying and such. It made me feel better to know that I wasn't the only one out there.
I hope this is helpful to you. Hang in there! This period will pass - it is all hormonal. Also - read the book Brooke Shields wrote - The Rain Came Down. I really identified with it (and felt consoled b/c I didn't suffer the depression as much as she did).
All the best.

I have had great success fighting my own regular and post-partum depression with Classical Five Element Acupuncture. You can find a practitioner here:
http://www.worsleyinstitute.org/practitionerlist.html
and also a description of it here:
http://www.worsleyinstitute.org/philosophy.html
I've been getting this kind of acupuncture done for over a decade so if you want any more info or want some help finding a practitioner in your area let me know :)

Hi K.
PPD is nothing to fool around with. Things can get very serious.
My suggestion is to call the OB, tell him your scared and not willing to take it. Believe me they have heard such comments before especially if you had an adverse reaction. OB may tell you why you have to have a prescription drug as ordered and that as usual your body will adjust. OB may also be willing to let you try some more natural remedies like KAVA KAVA or St. John's Wort.
Remember that you don't want any dire results from non treatment.
God bless you and heal your body mind and spirit.
Since I am again old enough to be your mom, as I say often, talk to your mom if she is available. You might be surprised by some of her stories.
K. Hunter, SAHM married 38 years with grown children

Dear K.,

Antidepresants are NOT addicting and it is unlikely that you would feel side effects after just one dose, the med needs to build up in your body before side effects develop and that is if they develop. The most likely side effect is dry mouth. Dry mouth usually disappears after you have been taking the med for awhile. Sometimes you need to try another type of antidepressant, one that is right for your body chemistry. The med usually does not start to take effect right away, it has to build up in your system, it can take 7-14 days before you feel relief. The medication should make you feel normal. I am an RN and often work with patient that take antidepressants.

PPD is a very serious condition that will not only have an adverse affect on you, but it will affect your children and husband also. It will not go away without intervention. I think that talk therapy in conjunction with the antidepressant is the best treatment.

Best of luck to you
Sarah

Dear K.: You have two issues here: not wanting to take the meds and having ppd. Both certainly can be dealt with but it is all up to YOU. You have the choice here. I'm sorry I cannot help you with experience about ppd but I can help with experience with Zoloft. I am a mother of four and have not experienced ppd but my husband and teenage daughter suffer from depression and are taking Zoloft. I took zoloft for four years for anxiety. The first week I did have slight side affects and I am drug sensitive. THIS IS NOT AN ADDICTING drug. I don't like to take drugs either but will do so if it is to better my mental well being and health. Eating right several times a day helps. Exercise in even small amounts can help such as taking a stroller walk with the children. Finding even 10-20 minutes a day for YOU will help = listen to music, soak in a warm bath, read, an old hobby, massage, prayer, etc... If the ddp is causing you to feel bad towards yourself or your children then taking zoloft would help. It works for our family for two medical situations and is mild enough for our teenage daughter. Others have been tried but had bad side affects. Don't be hard on yourself. You care enough to write in and ask for help. What an awesome thing to do. You can do it. Good luck and God Bless. R.

Dear K., I would be very careful with mind drugs. Our Soul is aways striving to find its own balance. Giving birth is a big change to the body, soul and mind but the body has wisdom and will harmonize in time again. There are medical doctors who use Anthroposophical medicine. They are in Chestnut Ridge as well as a pharmacy "The Apothekery" which can tell you the side effects of this drug. Do not play around with psychic drugs unless you have researched it well. There are answers. Go on the Internet and look up Anthroposophycal Medicine. About me: I am 60 years old, I have 3 children and I am a NY State licensed massage therapist working with Chirophonetic. Love, B.

I have been on and off depression medicine for many years. One thing you dont have to worry about is becoming dependent on them. They help you get though the difficult times in your life and when things become stable and you and your doctor think you are better you wean your self off of them. Just dont stop dpression medicine suddenly if you have been on them for a while. I have never tried zoloft but I know they usually use that one for ppd because I think it may be safe if your breastfeeding.

I had ppd but I was breastfeeding and was scared to take any antidepressant because i didnt want my daughter to be exposed to them. But if i wasnt breastfeeding I would have taken them. I weaned my daughter at 10 months and I am currently taking my Lexapro and I am able to enjoy things so much more. There is nothing wrong with taking an antidepressant, the first time i started taking them I was scared and worried too. But for me they really make an important difference in my life.

I have had a very bad experience with an antidepressant called wellbutrin. If made me feel really weird. I stoped taking it right away and felt fine quickly. If you deceide to take the Zoloft start it when your husband is around so if you have a bad reaction (which I really dont think you will)your husband will be there for support. It will take a couple of days to get use to.

my advice is you were feeling sad enough to go to your doctor for help then you should give it a try. It will help you get though this hard time and enjoy your children more.
take care
E.

was this a pyschiatrist? if not, go see one and get a better diagnosis and more options, followups, ect. the way these drugs are supposed to work is the drugs level you, then you go see a therapist to learn coping skills. some people are able to end the medication and continue counseling, possibly ending that after they are abel to cope better. others may stay on a drug for the rest of their life. you shouldnt feel "bad" about taking anything. these drugs are there to help people. but that doesnt mean zoloft is for you. you need to decide if the side effects are that bad. usually what happens is they subside after 2 weeks or so to where they may stay. you might want to deal with them for 2 weeks to see if they lessen. if you cant bear them, or they dont lessen, go back and say so. there are tons of different things available and you need to find what will work for you. you should eventually be back to yourself, but you have no idea when that will be. in the meantime, continue to see a doctor and get a drug that can help you. this is a happy time in your life, and you dont want ppd to overwhelm your life. you dont want to look back at this year and not remember things with your daughter because you werent in the best place, kwim. good luck to you. remember, pschiatrists are much more well trained than anyone else. but second opinions and other medications are always available.

Hi K.,

Congrats on the birth of the newest little one. I too suffered from PPD- severe PPD to be exact and happy to say that I since gone on to have another baby, had mild PPD that time and can say that I am now in full recovery. In fact I am a moderator for a great PPD website, that I'd love to give you the link too. With out the great women there, I am not sure I could have gotten though this alone. I went through many med changes before we found one that worked for us. Ex cerise is a great tool to use, although I know it hard to do with 2 little ones, mine were only 22 months apart also. I too never had PPD with my 1st, so I was completly unprepared for this, as was my family. With great support, meds and coping tools, I survived. I was out of work for almost 5 months. In the end a zoloft/wellbutrin worked for me. ANd with my last pregnancy, I went back on zoloft and stayed on through breastfeeding until i weaned from meds about 5 months ago. My youngest is now 12 months old. PPD is something that goes away, but not with out hard work and determination. I like to say you have to fight and not let it get the best of you. PPD is not more common with one sex or the other, it is a chemical imbalance that happens after delivery. Please know that it takes up to 6 weeks for any antidepressent to reach it therapeutic levels, however you can feel relief within a couple weeks. Please feel free to check out our website at www.ppdsupportpage.com

It's full of great women who have and still are suffering PPD, and then moderators and admins who are fully or on their way to a full recovery.It has some great resources, as well as some natural ways to help you along the way too. Can I suggest to you Omega 3.6.9? I LOVE my fish oils, and they are good too for depression.

Feel free to email me with any questions. I wish you the best of luck and hope to a quick and easy recovery.

K.

Hi K... I am a RN on the maternity floor.. PPD is common and can happen at anytime within the first year and with any pregnancy... You ha two children very close together, so part of it could be that your hormones never got a chance to return to "normal" before starting the journey all over again... I would recommend taking the Zoloft. After several months you shoud be instructe on how to wean yourself off of it... PPD if left untreated can turn into full blown depression and can lead to hurtful thoughts of your children.... If you're not comfortable with your Dr's answers (I assume it was youOB/GYN) see if you can find a Psychiatrist who specializes in PPD..
good luck and enjoy those babies!!

Hi K.,
First, congrats on your new baby.
I work in the psych field and see and hear these stories all the time. If you are in doubt about the need for meds but are concerned, please see a psychiatrist. The ones I work with tend to be conservative and do not automatically put people on medications if they do not feel they meet all the diagnostic criteria. Often general practitioners are doing the best they can for you in a short amount of time. A good psychiatrist will also have APRN's or LCSW's in their office to offer therapy as well, which may help you cope.
Post pardum depression is more common with second and thrid pregnancies vs the first. There are side effects to all antidepressants. The most common is nausea which usually goes away within 2 weeks. It is NOT addictive, however sleep medicines and anti-anxiety medications are. It is usually best to be on meds for 9 mo to a year, which is really how long it takes for your body's hormones to get back to where they were pre-pregnancy. (Although this is the recommendation for any kind of depression). Depression can sometimes resolve itself within 3 mo without medications, but should still be monitored by an MD for safety reasons. The one thing I think is sad is when someone doesn't take the medication because of beliefs and then they get much worse and still don't get help. Please talk it over with your husband, objectively. Be willing to hear his comments about how he sees this affecting your and your family. This could help you with your decision.
Please know that medication may help you cope with raising 2 children more effectively, relieve stress, help you worry less and enjoy your new baby. I Have been there, it helped me alot, and even off of meds I now have better coping skills (most of the time).
Good Luck!

Not everyone gets side effects of sucicide and/or depression. And no you should not worry about becoming dependent on the drug. You will need to wean yourself off it but your dr. will tell you about that. I found that when I took the drug it made me dizzy and tired. Some people can use it with no problem and some can not. Relax and let time pass to see if it works for you. Dont let people scare you with unsucessful stories. The ppd will go away after some time but again every person is different. After having my son I became very depressed.(with my daughter, who I had first, I was fine..never experienced it until baby #2)I was depressed for a good few months. Good luck and dont worry about becoming depentand. You should be fine! Just keep in tune to yourself and you should be ok. Maybe talk to another doctor if the one you have now seems too busy to give you more time or cannot answer your questions completely.

K.,

I thought I had PPD, but turns out I had the "baby blues" and post traumatic stress disorder due to results of a complicated surgery.

I too, did not want to take any medicine (which gave me added anxiety struggling with whether to take it or not).

I eventually got on the birth control pill, and I don't know if there is any truth to it, but I truly believe that taking the pill really regulated my hormones, and I was my old self again.

It's so hard when out of NO WHERE you don't have control of your emotions. No one gets it. Do what you have to do to make yourself feel better, and worry about the consequences when you are more emotionally equipped to deal with them. Any hey, your body may come back before you POSSIBLY become dependent.

Good luck!

R.

Dear K.,
I have clinical depression and have taken Zoloft. It did not work for me but that was me. I have found Lexapro worked better.

i understand your reluctance to take meds and also understand some people's fears. But medication may be only part of the answer. Would you be willing to see a therapist? Either a Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) a Licenesed professional counselor (LPC) or psychologist?

Our bodies change with change and just because you had depression with this child and not your others is not suprising. With my first child I was fine, this one kick started my deporession when i was 4 months pregnant!

The good news is this: Depression IS treatable. it takes some work and you may have to be open minded to trying new things. Depression is not your fault and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. If your doctor is not listening to you.. then ask your local hospital for support groups, an out patient therapy program. I do not know where you are located, but i would recommend Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth for help. I have been in their program for 12 weeks now and I can't have meds because of my pregnancy.

Somoene else said research different meds. Excellent suggestion. You will neefd to weigh risks vs benefits. Apsychiatrist may be better suioted for this task and can monitor you for depoendency and effectiveness.

Please don't just dismiss meds. They can allow healing to take place. they can also be part of a bigger plan for you
Good luck and please post an update as to your decision

Hi K.,

I don't think it matters if you have a boy or girl, but it does matter how quick you have each baby. In most cultures Native America, African, Asian (2) years apart between babies gives your hormones a change to balance. Also mothers in the past breast feed for two year and so most didn't get pregnant until they weaned the baby. In America women are having their children older (a good thing) they are also having their children closer together, which means harmone overload.

I suggest you find a drug that works for you along with therapy.

You are making the right decision by taking what your dr. prescribed to you. There is nothing wrong about using an antidepressant such as zoloft. Yes, you will get back to normal, but until that time comes stick to the meds. No you will not become dependent. It is just not that kind of drug.

When struggling with PPD it is not the time to experiment. You would be jeopardizing your health and especially the health of your baby.

When you feel like life is more in control there are many other things you can try. Ask your dr. A friend of mine was taking St, John's Wort as recommended by her dr. and it seemed to help.

Do not be ashamed, embarassed, or feel guilty. Everyone needs help at some point, you are still a good mom, and you are doing the right thing.

A.

Hi K.,

I'm so sorry to hear that you're having issues with PPD. When my first daughter was born I think I suffered a bit of PPD but never really did anything. With girl number two it was really bad and I like you hated the idea of drugs. I didn't do anything about it and I can tell you it took about eleven months to get better. The only reason why I didn't do anything about it was b/c first I was embarassed, which is silly looking back, and second it never had anything to do with my kids welfare. I was SO in love with them and enjoyed being with them, it was everything and everyone else, including poor husband that bothered and irritated me. In retrospect I could've had a much nicer time if I had just taken something to make me feel better. What did help was taking lots of walks, it's exercise and it really really helped me not go nuts, I walked every day for about an hour and it just got me out when I didn't want to go anywhere.

I had a boy in October and had made a promise to my husband that if I had a problem this time I wouldn't hesitate to go to the doctor to find a solution. I didn't have a problem at all, which was great. Yes, I think depending on what hormones you have a girl or boy can effect you differently. You should go on the zoloft, it will only help and knowing several people that have been on it, you won't become dependant, it'll just help you through the rough part. If you ever want to talk e mail me at ____@____.com Good luck K., I'll be thinking of you.

PS. Upon reading your reply to the post, try to keep up the breastfeeding only b/c I believe that the hormones released during breastfeeding help make you feel better. I nursed my son for nine months and three weeks ago stopped and I actually commented last week that I feel like I'm going through PPD nine months later!!!

K.:

Take a deep breath and give yourself a big pat on the back for making it through the past 7 weeks with 2 little ones and still finding the time to shoot out a help mail to your mamasource buddies! I am sorry you are struggling with PPD. As you can see from the other responses, it is very common. You have identified one of the major culprits - huge hormonal shift that occurs postpartum. Another critical contributer is sleep deprivation. I would venture to guess that you are not resting enough.

My first suggestion would be to see if you can get some help at home which will enable you to nurture yourself and maybe get some sleep and even a bit of exercise (always a great mood booster). The next thing would be to get your OB to refer you to a good therapist, either a psychologist or LCSW (social worker) who will help you deal with the emotional rollercoaster.

You are right to be concerned about the effects of antidepressants. This does not mean that they will not be beneficial for you but if you do not feel comfortable taking these meds, then this may not be the best route for you. It is critical that you talk it through with the prescribing doctor. If you can get some rest and other support you may not need the medication. If that is insufficiant, the pros of taking Zoloft will likely outweigh the cons. You need to make that call yourself.

Good luck with your recovery and remember that you are not alone - PPD is not picky about who it strikes. Treat yourself well. Sometimes we mommas forget that we do our jobs better when we nurture ourselves - I personally know that I take the very best care of my family when I take a bit of time to care for me (it isn't often, but I do try!)

I am sending you a HUGE HUG!!!

I'm surprised your doc prescribed you Zoloft. The side effects are depression and suicidal tendencies.

Personally, I would not take it. My son was on it and it made him a zombie and more depressed.

PPD does go away. It's not just hormonal, but phsycological too. I went through it and my friends said I was going through it even after my daughter was 5 months old. I didn't think it lasted that long...my doctor said it usually doesn't. Turned out it was everything I had kept quiet about throughout the pregnancy just hit me all at once until I exploded.

Zoloft doesn't help your mindset. It just stops you from fliping out. It doesn't help you get to the root of the problem.

Good luck and know that this too shall pass.

Nanc

Hi K.,
If you are eating organic fruits & veggies, that certainly will help, As every imbalance is directly linked to a nutritional deficiency. And most mineral supplements you buy over the counter don't work, because your cells aren't absorbing the nutrients.
You may want to check out a health food store for natural herbal supplements.
The other advise get rid of your toxic cleaning and laundry products they will also contribute to your condition.
Do your shopping at a health food store or if you like more info how you can buy nontoxic products at wholesale cast I gladly will speak to you further.
C.
http:C..healthyhometour.com

Hi K.,
I had the same fears as you. I had severe PPD and my doctor prescribed Zoloft. The only side effect I had was sleepiness so I take it at night. Zoloft is a gentle mood stabilizer compared to other anti-depressants. It's easier to wean yourself off of it than other meds. Since you haven't had problems with depression before, you wont need to be on it for the rest of your life.
Tell your doctor about any side effects just to be safe. You might be psyching yourself out because you're so scared so take a deep breath and remember that Zoloft stabilizes your mood, it doesn't make you a different person, it doesn't cure you- it just takes away the ups and downs of PPD.
I saw a therapist for three months and tried to overcome PPD without meds. But I was so miserable and depressed, I didn't feel like exercising or leaving the house. Now that my mood is stabilized, I feel like doing things again. But I have to push myself and no drug can make you take action with your life.
By the way PPD will go away on its own. It depends on the person. Sometimes it can take up to 2 years. If these responses still leave you feeling anxious you can also try switching doctors. It sounds like your current Doc doesn't make you feel comfortable. Please let us know what happens!

If the ppd was bad enough for the doctor to prescribe meds give them a chance. I had to go on depression meds for a while too last year and after a while I was able to go of them and feel better without them but they were Very necessary for a while because I could not function and care for my children the way I was. With ppd it is often a temporary thing with meds not perminent. Also find a good counselor and /or support group. Your local hospital may have one. With PPD it can be hard or impossible to function so get yourself a good support group that you can call for help. I had my husband. mom and best friend and they had to care for my children sometimes because I could not. You can get through this and you are not alone. A.

Hi K.,

I know you have gotten a lot of info and advice so far but, I understand your concerns. I have a history of depression and in the past had been prescribed various medications. Some worked some didn't. When they first prescribed me meds I was hesitant as I thought 'only crazy people take meds and I'm not crazy.' I soon realized they are very helpful and you'd be surprised how many people take them and for a variety of reasons. I never became dependent actually it was the opposite, once I started to feel better I would decide I didn't need them anymore. I have been off them for years now. However, with my history of depression I was concerned about PPD and was very open with my doctor. I started to get anxious after my daughter was born and started to get depressed so he prescribed me zoloft. I started to feel better immediately. I don't know the severity of your PPD as although I was treated for it, I'm not sure I actually had it. I think hormones and sleep deprivation have a lot to do with it. Needless to say I barely took any pills as I started to feel better, I never even refilled the prescription. While I'm sure there are natural remedies you could take, it might take time to find them. I don't like to take too many pills myself but if it is going to help you should try it. Worst case scenario is you try it and after a month, you don't feel any better then you stop and try something else.
As far as the side effects, I never had any but everyone is different. Maybe you are on too high of a dose. ASk your doctor if you can take less. If the side effects are worse than the benefits then I would stop.
I'm not aware if PPD is set off by what sex your child is. it could go away once your hormones level out but I've also read you could get it 6-12 months after you have your child.
I hope you feel better so you can enjoy your new little baby girl.

Antidepressants didn't agree with me at all and so I stopped taking them. I got over my depression by allowing myself to be awear of it and pushed myself to deal with it all. It was hard work, I became my own project and I pushed myself to do what had to be done. I asked family and friends for help and support and got it....they were wonderful. I found myself a good therapest and for a while I went twice a week and then only once a week. Yeah, I did a lot of crying but I also worked on finding humor and positive things in everything. I took stock of my life and told myself I was lucky... I pushed myself to do things I enjoyed to lift my spirits....I also joined a Pilates class as well and did a lot of walking. Got together with close friends, sometimes they would do chores with me so I wouldn't fall behind... sometimes went shopping, movies or lunch...we also would take the children to the park etc. or we just sat with coffee talking about old times. Every evening I planned what I was going to do the next day and made a list.. In the morning, I showered, dressed, put my make up on, and got busy with my list. I made sure I ate properly and took vit. and some herbs I thought would help with the depression. I was a project from hell but after awhile it got easier and after awhile I began to feel better.

If you decide to stop your medication, BE SURE TO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT IT FIRST......tell him/her what you want to do and ASK HOW TO GET OFF OF THE MEDICATION...don't do this on your own. Also ask the doctor to RECOMMEND A GOOD THERAPIST..don't procrasinate in making an appointment. It's all up to you and don't expect it to be easy...The people around you can only be supportive but it's YOU who has to move forward in doing what is needed to feel good again...
Good luck with what ever you dicide to do and keep us posted....

Hello K.. I had PPD with my daughter and also was reluctant to go on the medication, but the bottom line is that the benefits far outweigh the risks. If the condition could be managed through your behavior you would have done so already - as you mentioned with the exercise. It's just this vicious cycle where you feel like you should be able to pull yourself together but then you can't and it just compounds the guilt and feelings of failure. Zoloft is not addictive in any way and is very safe for breastfeeding, if that is a concern. I have not been on it but I have been on Paxil, which is in the same class of medications, and it worked very well for me. There usually are some withdrawal effects with these drugs so you will need to wean gradually when you decide to stop, but I would cross that bridge when you come to it. I don't know if PPD is more common wih girls but it is definitely exacerbated by lack of sleep and the fussiness of the baby. If she is a little more challenging than your son was, it can be problematic. But ultimately it is a chemical and hormonal issue, that is very difficult to overcome without a chemical remedy. You certainly could wait it out, but in the meantime, what would you be sacrificing? You will be missing out on the first months of your daughter's life and suffering needlessly. Anyway, you can see where I stand! Please feel free to send me a private message if you want more information about my experiences. PPD can be so painful and lonely. Take care.

Hi..That post partum s tough sometimes but the Zoloft may be just the right thing. My MIL and husband are nervous nellies and found Zoloft to be the right drug for them. When my son at 25 went through a depression he tried Zoloft as well. He used it as prescribed and was off it in 6 mo with no lasting effects. It takes a bit to adjust to it in the beginning but he found it absolutely beneficial and had no trouble weaning from the drug. It doesn't work for everyone and there are other choices if this is not the right fit for you. But your feelings affect your whole house so be kind to all and work on this problem til it's fixed. Good luck and happy baby 2u.

Hi K. -

Congratulations on your newest blessing!

Regarding the PPD, I'm wondering if you feel as though you have enough practical, emotional and spiritual support? Taking care of a toddler and a new born requires so much energy output. I can imagine that if you don't have enough help, and the time and space to replenish yourself, it could be overwhelming and exhausting. (I have one daughter, who is 18 months, and I'm exhausted!)

Regarding the anti-depressants, trust your heart's wisdom. You are the only person in your shoes, and the only person who knows how you feel and why you feel that way. It's not for anyone else to say what you should or shouldn't do. If your uncomfortable taking the drugs, listen to that. If you feel like they're right for you and will get you over the hump, listen to that. I'm a NAAM yoga teacher, and practitioner of the Harmonyum Healing system. I have some breathing exercises that would help, whether you decide to take the anti-depressants or not. Feel free to email me off-line if you'd like more details.

Sending you Love & Light,
T.

K.,

I would take the meds. I should have had them after my first but didn't have a doctor at the time that picked up on it. After my second I definitely needed them and my doctor put me on Zoloft. Personally I NEVER read the pamphlets because then I "give myself" the side effects. What dose did the doctor start you at? I was on 25 to start but had to go up from there.

I have another friend who takes Zoloft. If he doesn't, he can be a nightmare so it does help.

Give it a try for a few months and see if you feel any better. Just don't quit it cold turkey. Zoloft is something you have to wean your body off of but not because of addition or anything...just imagine how it is balancing you and suddenly you rip that bottom away.

Mine said to exercise too. I got a balance ball tape and would do it with the little ones next to me. She also told me to go out and do something for myself that would help me keep my identity and keep me getting out and meeting people. That's when I started my Arbonne business. :)

I wish you the best,
L.

Maybe this sounds too simplistic, but I will absolutely swear by these 2 things.

1. Vitamins - are you taking vitamins every day? I find that I especially need to keep up on iron supplements (don't take it at the same time as calcium - even a little milk or OJ can decrease your body's ability to absorb the iron).

2. Got a supportive friend who can encourage you? If not, maybe you can find an experienced mommy who's been there to help remind you that you are doing great and you will make it!

Whatever you choose do, don't sit and focus on your depression. Don't let it win, you know? Take the kids on a stroll, play trucks with your son, and soak in the love. Know that the Mamasource moms are here to support you, too - we're all right there with you!

I was prescribed it and reluctantly took it after my son was born. This is my first child. I had the same apprehensions as you. I personally felt it was way to easy to get the prescription and that maybe I should have had the opportunity to speak with a counselor before just jumping into taking a mind altering drug. I was prescribed it when my baby was a week old even though every questionnaire I took at the hospital and everything stated I was low risk. When I got home to the reality, I was struggling - normal!? I also had a long labor, lots of drugs in the hospital, was sooo sleep deprived and recovering from a c-section after it all - so of course I wanted to cry every night when I couldn't go to bed and all my help left me. I question whether or not my feelings were severe enough for it or if they were just normal. I took it right away but the next time I have a child, I won't be so quick to take it. I clearly understand the risks and concerns over PPD and for anyone suffering from it, by all means they need to do whatever they need to to overcome. I think out of all of this, I'd suggest speaking with a counselor, pshychologist or psychiatrist. Personally I feel the power of antidepressants is taken to lightly in our society - they are VERY SERIOUS drugs. I will also say you need to know about the side effects while taking the drug and the side effects when you decide to come off. The physical effects when I stopped taking the drug - even though I weaned myself from it, were HORRENDOUS. I only learned of the possible side effects after I started looking online trying to figure out why I was such a mess - I immediatley thought it had to be the drugs (I will say my ob-gyn who prescribed it said I didn't NEED to wean - so I question even more if they should be prescribing it. Let me just finish by saying that the drugs are great for those who truly need them, I am not in anyway knocking the drugs or people who suffer from PPD or any other mental illness - I just think the determination of who takes the drugs should be taken a little more seriously at times. Good luck. I hope you find your way out of any darkness you are feeling right now whether its with the drugs or without!