From Natural Health After Birth by Romm
Herbs that I'll list last and very importantly and improving overall caloric intake through a well balanced diet: increasing protein intake (also,helps replenish lost blood from birth), ensuring proper vitamin and mineral intake through foods and keep taking you prenatals. The addition of fatty acids, as above poster said w/fish oils [coming from either plant based source, or purified fish source (ie:anchovies, sardines, etc...lesser fish)] evening primrose can aslo be helpful (2,500mg daily) and a B complex.
Inadequate fluids intake can aggravate depression, you need at least 2L of H2o daily. Avoid caffeine, chocolate, coffee and soda...I think this is because cafine is a diuretic=dehydration...so if NEED that coffee make sure your flooding yourself w/fluids!! It also says, keep sugars to a minimum. ALL THINGS I'M DRAWN TO WHEN DEPRESSED!! AACCKK!!
My Midwife prescribes VITEX to people to regulate PMS symptoms and this book also advises it for PPD, I have seen it in vitamin form by Rainbow Light co.
A recipe from the above mentioned book is:
1/2oz. motherwort tincture
1/2oz vitex (also know as Chaste berry) tincture
1/4 oz lavender tinctuer
1/4oz lemon balm tincture
1/4oz passionflower tincture
1/4oz scullcap tincture I HAVE SEEN IN A NATURAL HERBAL MAY BE COUNTER INDICATED FOR BREASTFEEDING, can insert St. Johns Wort (I think check 4 sure!!)
Combine all of these ingredients into one blend
Dose: Take 1/2 to 1 tsp as needed up to 4 tsp daily for two weeks.
At the birth center we just had a Mom with a sever anxiety and PPD, (I'm a birth assistant, for disclosure) her problem was lack of sleep. When she went to sleep she had serious anxiety. The midwife loaded her up on the supplements, little variation of above mentioned, and also valarian. If sleep is a problem this can be helpful, though sometimes sleep is not problem for those depressed!
HTH, good luck Momma, things start leveling off at two weeks PP, then get better every day!
