Postpartum depression?

[AlexandraV23]

I heard that about half of women suffer from more or less severe postpartum depression. I was wondering if anyone of you has some experiences with his? When did it set in, what were your fears and concerns, how did you cope, did you need medication etc.?

I've been prescribed Zoloft, but I stopped taking it (I know, not a good thing). Where we currently live, we have little support. We moved about six weeks after the birth and it was and still is overwhelming sometimes. I also have a hard time adjusting to being a mom. Although I love my son, I sometimes get so tired and miss having to worry about more "adult" things like where will my career take me instead of whether he had one or two poopy diapers.

[mom2boys]

Hi,
I can totally empathize with you, and I think it is important that you stay on your medication. I was prescribed Zoloft also, and the drug didn't work for me and my doctor switched me to Fluoxitene (generic for prozac). The medication will help you get through your dark times because believe it or not, post-partum depression is a biological condition in which your body is trying to recalibrate itself chemically and hormonally and you just need a little help. Also, Zoloft has terrible side-effects if you stop taking it "cold turkey", and could cause additional depression.

Being a mom is a time where we have to find a new identity because we are 'over night' a difference person and physically not able to go back to work (right away) and we have someone 100% dependent on us. It's a huge shocker, but it gets better. I found a way to balance being a stay at home mom and having adult time. I went back to school for my Masters (taking evening classes/ one at a time). I also started doing freelance work, and opened up my own Mary Kay business and joined the mom's club in my zip code. There are little ways to feel complete and connected to your old-self, I'm here for you.

[3MusketeersMom]

Even without postpartum depression, being a new mom can be overwhelming. The feeling of disconnection with the adult world, the world outside your little bubble of feedings, diaper changes, naps, being up all night . . .

Getting connected with other moms does help. My sis joined a new moms group 5 years ago and is still hanging out with those mom friends today. When you get the opportunity to get out of the house while someone else watches the baby, take it! Even if it's just for a few minutes, it's a refreshing, much-needed break.

This WILL pass. Hang in there.

[3MusketeersMom]

A friend on Facebook just posted a link to a 2007 article about women who ingest their placenta and it prevents postpartum depression. I will try to link it here:

http://www.stevefriess.com/archive/u...y/placenta.htm

Any thoughts or experience in this area? I've heard of women eating their placenta but not for PPD. I always pictured them eating it like a steak but lo and behold, you can have it dried and put into capsules (shew!).

3MM

[mom2boys]

I read this online, "Obstetrician and spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Maggie Blott disputes the post-natal depression theory, stating there is no medical reason to eat the placenta; 'Animals eat their placenta to get nutrition - but when people are already well-nourished, there is no benefit, there is no reason to do it.;"

Animals do it for nourishment and to hide the fact that they have given birth from predators. Very interesting stuff!

[3MusketeersMom]

A-ha! So we humans should eat our placenta to hide the fact we have given birth from toy companies who prey on our kids with flashy toys and upbeat commercials to convince them their lives will be more fun with XYZ toy;^)

Nah, I'll just continue to tell my kids "No," or "Start saving up your own money" when they beg for another Star Wars Lego kit . . .