Any Mothers Out There Struggling with Postpartum Depression

This is so common and nothing to be embarrassed about. Talk to your ob and they will percribe something for you. I had it with my third child and didn't realize it so suffered with no help. Once I realized what was going on I didn't want to take anti-depressents because I thought I wasn't that bad. While I was pregnant with my forth I was already experiencing symptoms because of the stress of the 3 older kids and told the doctor before I left the hospital I needed some help. He perscribed Welbutrin and it helped so much!! I only used them for about 3 months but it really helped. Good Luck!!

Hi L.,
I struggled with it too. It started the day after I delivered my daughter. Talk to your MD about this, they can make recommendations. It is natural to feel this way the first few weeks. I know I wasn't alone. So many of my girlfriends struggled with PPD. You may start feeling better in a couple of weeks or so once you figure out a routine. Having a newborn throws off all the dynamics of a household. There is a little one who needs all your love and attention and it can be overwhelming. I felt very overwhelmed. I finally started going to a therapist and she put things in perspective for me. I recommended therapy to a girlfriend who had the same issues when she became pregnant with her 2nd baby and it really helped her. At the very least try to speak to a therapist, you could take the baby with you, I know my therapist didn't mind at all. It was worth it! Be good to yourself. Nap when the baby naps and don't worry about housework, try something like "Entrees to Go" for easy meals you don't have to cook, get out with the baby....the library has storytime where you could go to get out of the house and meet other Moms who will willingly share their stories. Go to the playground at the mall. Distractions are always good for the soul and the mind. I walked every morning with my little one. You can download some reading material (motivational) and put it on your Ipod (listen while you walk). Excercise and a good diet will help your body release endorphins, sunshine is also a mood booster. You could join a Mommy group for added support. Also, I know that Zenergy Yoga in Scottsdale has baby & me yoga classes. My Gym also offers free classes for little newborns. (Great way to get out and socialize free!) Go to the Zoo, go to the Botanical Gardens, the Park, the McCormick Stillman train park, etc. now that the weather is nice. Your little one may not know what's going on but you can talk to her, tell her what you see, the sound of your voice will be soothing and the bonding is priceless. I have also heard Stroller Strides is fun. Support is wonderful and these are great ways to meet new Moms and make friends. Once you hear their stories, which they are more than happy to share with you, you will see that we all struggle one way or another. Motherhood is tough but the rewards you reap daily are worth it. I know how hard it is to adjust but think of this time as a temporary schedule. Babies grow very fast and soon it will become easier. Whenever you feel overwhelmed or sad, tell yourself it's okay to feel this way and don't be hard on yourself remember this is a new experience. Comfort yourself. Tell yourself positive things.

Here's a little quote from a book I read whenever I need inspiration and motivation. From the book "SHE" -She was kind, loving and patient with herself-Celebrate her tenderness. -She added so much beauty to being human-Celebrate her presence.-She decided to enjoy more and endure less. -Celebrate her choices.-She colored her thoughts with only the brightest hues.-Celebrate her optimism.-She ran ahead where there were no paths. Celebrate her bravery-

Just a few. :) I'll say a prayer for you.

I have been through PPD twice and it is no fun. With my first son I resisted taking any meds and muddled my way through. I had thoughts of suicide and felt like a failure as a mama. With my daughter I actually started taking Zoloft two weeks before she was born and had minimal feelings this time around. I did attempt to stop the meds and all the same feelings came rushing in. I call them my "dark days". It just feels like everything is hopeless and I am a miserable failure and everyone would be better off without me around. Totally irrational feelings as in my heart I know I am a good mom. My kids are my world, I would do anything for them. I still take Zoloft (my daughter is now almost 10 months) and it really helps me manage. I hope to stop taking it one day soon but don't feel ready yet. I suggest you talk to your doctor and see if they think it would be helpful for you to take medication. I have never regretted taking meds this time around as it has helped me SO much! Take care and good luck! If you need to talk to someone feel free to contact me via mamasource!

can you hire a housecleaner or any other kind of help? a new baby is very stressful, and not sleeping doesn't help. My baby is 3 mos old now and I was sad more from lack of sleep and the stress. And your hormones are all out of wack. I tend to not like drugs, but if you need them you need them. I would just try other things first. Maybe go to a naturopath who could help balance out your hormones which may be causing the depression. Just look online for one. There is the SW college of naturo. med. clinic on hayden and mckellips (I think). I still get sad from time to time, but its usually after a sleepless night.

L., this is exactly what I specialize in =) I along w/ other nurses & Drs do FREE hormone balancing seminars utilizing a natural balancing cream (progesterone)
You are not alone hun & it IS treatable naturally. Your body while pregnant had a TON of progesterone coursing through it. Once the baby is delivered out comes all the amniotic fluid along w/ massive amts of progesterone..throwing your body "out of whack". No two progesterones suppliers are the same & the ingredients found in many at the health food stores do not convert into the body as progesterone. ie. dont buy the kind w/ wild yam..
I would be happy to help you out, answer questions & lead you in the right direction. No charge for my time as this is something I am very passionate about.
Also, many Drs will prescribe estrogen &/or anti-depressants for many symptoms & while this may work in a sense, but it is more like putting a bandaid on a wound & can cause REAL harm in the long run! There is a better & safer way & its fine w/ breastfeeding..I'm nursing & using it myself.
BTW, its not just for PPD, it can help for many symptoms..migraines, hot flashes, mood swings, menopause, endometriosis, trying to conceive,the list goes on & on..a woman should be on it for the health of her bones if not for any other reason.
Most Drs have NOT done extensive research & dont know much about it so dont be alarmed if a Dr says no! We have to be our own advocates. Our health is our responsibility when it really comes down to it.
I always recommend Dr John Lee MD's website for more info. He also wrote many incredible books you can get used on Amazon.
"What your Dr MAY not tell you about Premenopause" is the one I recommend for you.
S.
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