Estrogen Patch?

[Cybercere]

I have severe PPD after my son's birth 8 years ago. I'm now 29 weeks pregnant with baby #2 and have been depressed throughout the pregnancy and am anticipating feeling bad after delivery. My midwife suggested an estrogen patch - apparently, it's a an extremely small dose of estrogen and you use 1 patch a week for 6 weeks. It's ok to use (apparently) while breastfeeding. Anyone used a patch? Thoughts?

Thanks all!

[K-Mom3]

Is the estrogen patch for treating/preventing ppd? Or is it for birth control?

If you're already feeling depressed, I think you should start some form of treatment now. There have been several threads on depression while pregnant recently.

Here's one--
http://www.mothering.com/discussions....php?t=1122285

Sorry you're not doing well. Hugs!

[Cybercere]

Estrogen patch cont.

It's for preventing/treating post-partum. I don't want to take meds while I'm pregnant as I'm too concerned about the side effects. I'm ok some days, really bad others. Apparently the estrogen patch is really effective but artificial hormones concern me. Then again, I should probably be more concerned about the polluted air I breathe :-)

[K-Mom3]

I've never heard of using an estrogen path to treat depression so I can't help you there. I had a bad experience with hormones pp and would personally rather do meds. But if you found some research that it works....

But I still want to encourage you to get some form of treatment now. It doesn't have to be meds. Therapy is really good for some people. Depression support groups. Supplements--B complex, B6, D, fish oil are common. Daily exercise and light. Improving your rest--my midwife actually prescribed me a sleeping pill while I was pregnant because of insomnia. Stress relievers like meditation and yoga.