2nd baby is due in 4wks...advice?

[LilMomma83]

Quick background:
I had PPD with DS1, but, didn't get help until he was over 6mos old, I got pregnant with this one when he was about 17mos and I had been several months without increasing zoloft. I tried weaning off zoloft, but, ended up going back on a low dose (less than half what I was taking prior to pregnancy) and I feel fine--I'm also taking flax oil.

So, I'm just looking for advice on anything I can do to make things go smoothly.

[ckmannel]

: very curious about responses as we are in a similar boat

[MsNature]

PPD - Mineral Nutrition may be Key

The nutritionist Adelle Davis ("Let's Have Healthy Children," "Let's Eat Right to Keep Fit," "Let's Cook It Right"), opined that the wide hormonal fluctutions and nutritional needs for building same during pregnancy (esp. progesterone), depletes a key mineral from womens' bodies - which is copper.

While Zinc is intrinsic in the production of male dominant hormones, Copper is essential for those produced by women. Davis opined that the tremendous progesterone production during pregnancy, and it's subsequent immediate loss after birth, depletes the body's stores of copper; (which can take months to restore, postpartum). Davis thought a copper deficiency could create a hormonal imbalance, which can affect mood, and considered that such a deficiency could be causitive for PPD.

You might try adding more copper-rich foods to your diet, mostly seafood (lobster, crab & oysters), or fruits and vegetables that have a higher copper content, such as peanuts, pears and avocadoes. (I have found peanut butter to be especially helpful, but also crave oysters occasionally.)

Here is the USDA search engine for food values.

http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/


Best luck to you for a happy, healthy, birthing experience!

[K-Mom3]

I want to put in a plug for lots of light! In some studies, light therapy has done the same thing as antidepressants. With a summer baby hopefully you'll have nice weather! Natural light is the best way to get light therapy. It is so easy to stay indoors when you have a new baby, when you're tired, and especially if you're depressed. But I think a daily dose of light made a big difference for me in both treatment and in prevention. Baby #1 walking twice daily--no PPD. Baby #2 stuck inside because of sub zero temperatures--PPD. Baby #3--walking several times a week--mild PPD. Light and exercise were definitely factors for me.

Have you talked with hubby, friends, nearby family to let them know that you'll be vulnerable? They can check up on you, help you not get as overwhelmed, be ready to jump in if you need it.

It sounds like you're doing a lot of the right things--taking meds, working to get the right dose, planning ahead. Congrats on your baby. Almost there!

[ShwarmaQueen]

Try to do the normal everyday things, everyday. Take a shower. Go outside, even if it's just to walk around your yard. Talk to adults. Take help when offered (cooking, cleaning, babysitting, etc.) Try not to stay focused on one thing (my big OCD issue ).

[LilMomma83]

Thanks everyone--I love the good practical advice!

I did stay inside a lot with my first, it was still semi-cold and I think I just felt so overwhelmed--at least this time I have a 2yo that will BEG to get out and I know some mom's too-I'll tell them to *make* me go out and play!

[Gale Force]

I just wrote a long story about my experience with my second. Skim through it and see what might be useful to you. There is no one-size-fits-all with depression.