Postpartum Depression - New York,NY

M.,

I'm sorry you're struggling with this. The pp time is so hard.

In addition to the great advice you got below, I want to add that diet can be a huge factor in helping with this. Be sure to continue your prenatal vitamins and consider either supplementing or eating more foods rich in B vitamins and iron. Inadequate amounts of both of these have been linked to depression.

For me, exercise has also really been helpful in staving off depression at certain times of the month and during the pp recovery period. 30 minutes of aerobic activity has a comparable result as many low-level depression meds. You didn't mention how far pp you are, so be sure to get the dr's ok here.

Finally, you're going through so much. Do you have anyone to talk to? Anyone to lend you some support? Not to trivialize your situation AT ALL, but sometimes we're just not used to hormonal shifts and not feeling well, so we think something must be wrong with us. The truth is, there is such a wide range of "normal" when navigating these times. Be patient and forgiving of yourself. Feeling isolated at home w/a new baby can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, fear or inadequacy. This is also normal. Is there a church you can plug into? A MOPS group? It may really help to get out.

If you are attending to your needs for fresh air, exercise, these essential nutrients and you're still not feeling well, or if at any time you have feelings of causing harm to yourself or your baby, definitely move forward with seeking help.

Does your hospital employ nurse-midwives? They can be wonderful resources as they are committed to treating all of you: physically, emotionally, etc. A post-partum doula might also be a great place to start. Here's something for your area: http://nycdoulacollective.com/

I'm sorry I ventured a bit outside of your original question, but I found this info helpful when dealing with extreme hormonal shifts due to pp and PMDD. I wish you the best.

There an organization called Postpartum Support International that is wonderful. If you go to their website: www.postpartum.net you can find a page that allows you to search by state for women who can offer phone support as well as referrals to therapists. They also have helpful information and book suggestions.

Another vote for ask your Ob/Gyn - they know who is in your area and takes your insurance. Or you can call the number on your insurance card and go where they send you. I did that and had to go through two therapists before I found one who knew anything about PP depression.

With the second I went through OB and got a good one right away. don't let people dismiss your pain. get help - you deserve it!

It was a long while ago that I had a baby. I did get the postpartum depression though. Walking did help me. Getting outside and sitting in the Autumn air did, too. I would rec staying off of sugary junk foods and really limit caffeine.

I would ask your OBGYN for referrals in your area. You can also get a list from your health insurance provider (look on their website.)
Good luck, and good for you for reaching out for help!

Ask your primary care or OB-GYN for a referral. They will know people who accept your insurance as well. You may also be able to get referrals from your local Planned Parenthood - they usually keep great data for all kinds of women's issues. Also Resolve, an organization for those facing infertility - they also have a lot of clients facing all sorts of reproductive issues, and may be able to refer you. You can also do a lot with cellular nutrition and supplementation - I did. But mainly, please know that.....You are not alone! I applaud you for seeking help!