breastfeeding and PPD is it possible?

[D'smomma]

Hi I haven't been on here in a while so I'll reintroduce myself... My name is Kate, I'm a 40 y/o mom of 5 ages 21years to my latest 8 month old. I found this site after some issues with vaccines in my nearly 5 yo ds.

My issue now is I'm currently breastfeeding my 8 month old.. and I intend to for another year or more (my past breastfeeding history has normally lasted for about 2 1/2 to close to 3 years). I know I'm suffering from PPD there is no question. Its bad - the worst I've ever had it. Ive never felt so down. I lack the will power to do anything and I hate it. I hate existing like this.

I finally decided to see my family dr. Where I was promptly told to wean - NOW! I refused! so I was told I can recieve NO treatment! I wasted $20 in copays!!! left the drs office perplexed... I know I need something and there has to be an option besides just weaning for me.
I don't know what I'm looking for exactly... I guess reasurance or advice... I'm sure something could have been offered.

Im also having issues with my back and asked for something there and again I was turned down. There is nothing I can be given for pain relief besides tylenol... which doesn't work. No biggie on the pain relief I can do what I've been doing ice/heat.... but the pain does nothing to help the depression.
Any advice would be appreciated.

[D'smomma]

oh any natural remedy advice on suppliments or vitamins would be welcomed!

[georgia]

I would suggest finding a more breastfeeding-knowledgable practice. I'd print out reputable info (Dr. Hale's information is great) when you go again. You might find this article helpful: http://www.mothering.com/breastfeedi...nd-medications and this quick article http://mothering.com/health/beat-blues. This thread has great suggestions, too, as far as complementary supplements: http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=195601

LLL's site has helpful drug info as well: http://www.llli.org/FAQ/medications.html

Best wishes---it does get better. I'm so happy to hear you've taken that first step to get some help. I wish it had been more productive visit. Please keep us updated and know we're thinking about you

[happysmileylady]

I advise finding a new dr.

First, in regards to the pain, there is plenty of stuff that you can take for pain relief while BF. Vicoden for one. T3 (which is tylenol, but stronger) is another. And pain has a much bigger effect on PPD than I think most people realize. I dealt with PPD after my 1.5 year old was born and a root canal in March, which was only 4 months after dd was born. The pain from the infection was pretty bad before I could get in for the root canal, like 2 weeks. And after I got the root canal, I felt SO much better emotionally, it was another 4 months before I went to the dr about the ppd.

So, yes, I highly recommend finding a new dr, one that is much more comfortable working WITH a breastfeeding mom, than deciding that breastfeeding prevents all treatment of anything.

[D'smomma]

thanks to both of you. I figured there was something I could do or take... but wasn't 100%. I've had ppd in the past... ugh after a tramatic delivery of my 4 year old. (I never recieved treatment)
I totally thought I would be ok this time around. The birth was "perfect" for me. I had a natural vbac delivery non medicated. Exactly what I wanted... I felt wonderful after the birth and left the hospital a day later. I began getting ppd about 5 months after delivery.. the baby went through a hospitalization for Kawasaki and has had some lingering issues with swelling in his heart valves.
Then my back... omgosh!
I told the dr I would be crawling before I would quit nursing... she said your choice!
I don't have a good track record with doctors sadly...

[annettemarie]

I'm so sorry. I took both Zoloft and Prozac at different times when nursing.

[happysmileylady]

Originally Posted by D'smomma

thanks to both of you. I figured there was something I could do or take... but wasn't 100%. I've had ppd in the past... ugh after a tramatic delivery of my 4 year old. (I never recieved treatment)
I totally thought I would be ok this time around. The birth was "perfect" for me. I had a natural vbac delivery non medicated. Exactly what I wanted... I felt wonderful after the birth and left the hospital a day later. I began getting ppd about 5 months after delivery.. the baby went through a hospitalization for Kawasaki and has had some lingering issues with swelling in his heart valves.
Then my back... omgosh!
I told the dr I would be crawling before I would quit nursing... she said your choice!
I don't have a good track record with doctors sadly...

I was in denial for a while that I was dealing with PPD. We tried for six years to get dd2 and while the labor was long, the birth was not traumatic, I was home with her for a year, I should have been thrilled.

[Blueone]

I found that when I was breastfeeding I was depressed and it got worse the longer I went. When I stopped it left within a couple days and it was a huge difference. I didn't stop because of the depression though, I had a really low supply due to hypothyroid so it surprised me that the depression left after I stopped.

I know some people say that breastfeeding doesn't cause depression, but there are those who do find it does due to a lack of estrogen and other problems as well. Your doctor is not the only one that has advised that to women. I know one mom that followed her doctors advice and found her depression lessening each day she weaned. Ultimately it's up to you. But if you're that depressed you may either want to wean or start anti-depressants.

Good Luck and I hope you find something that helps soon.

[EviesMom]

With a good therapist and a "prescription" for sunlight, exercize, and brief daily time away from the kids, I didn't need medication for my PPD. That doesn't work for everyone, and the key is the good, breastfeeding and parenting-friendly therapist. But it can be done.

[Kellyh_01]

I attended a breastfeeding conference last month with Dr. Hale himself as the key note speaker. His current recommendation is that prescription medications for depression are safe during pregnancy and lactation. Breastfed babies have no long term effects from the drugs, but they do have negative effects from living with a depressed mommy. I would find another doctor.

Kelly

[estercita]

I can't believe the doctor told you that. I'm sorry, but what an idiot. A cursory glance at any research-based resource on PPD/A & breastfeeding indicates that there are several SAFE options! I've been on Zoloft for 1 year now, since my daughter was 5 months old. I weaned off for 1 month & went back on b/c of a relapse of anxiety & insomnia. She was 100% breastfed & still nurses a couple times a day. Absolutely no signs of any problems.

Zoloft is considered the #1 choice for BF moms, and any doctor who told you to wean if you're experiencing depression should lose his/her license. I would seriously consider filing a formal complaint with the doctor's practice; otherwise s/he will continue misleading women. That is just incredibly irresponsible.

[D'smomma]

Blueone... Breastfeeding is what is best for my baby. Weaning isn't an option for us for numberous reasons. Antidepressants don't appear to be an option either at least not at this time.

Eviesmom - Thank you. I'm so trying to drag myself outside... doesn't help that we have had cold rainy weather for the last several days. I do need the exersize... Dh works third, sleeps all day so I have very little help from him. Family is all over an hour away so I really don't have a lot of help there either. I'm truely looking for a breastfeeding friendly doc or theripist (not sure they exist in this area but if they do I'll be finding them). Thank you again.


estercita Thank you. Sadly, I'm not sure that I would have a lot of weight at this particular clinic, if I complained. I have issued complaints in the past about an incident involving my now 4 year old son. He had an illness involving his thyroid, The dr was very very unprofessional.. (he used an ungloved finger as a tongue depressor! and there was more to the complaint) I filed a formal complaint there!! This was at a "sister" clinic in a neighboring town but several of the drs travel back and forth - Not the dr I complained about tho or I would have stopped going there nearly 1 1/2 ago.


I'm talking to my chiropractor about family - breastfeeding friendly options. Thanks again to everyone for the advice. I appreciate it.

[babyulu]

Originally Posted by D'smomma

Blueone... Breastfeeding is what is best for my baby. Weaning isn't an option for us for numberous reasons. Antidepressants don't appear to be an option either at least not at this time.

Eviesmom - Thank you. I'm so trying to drag myself outside... doesn't help that we have had cold rainy weather for the last several days. I do need the exersize... Dh works third, sleeps all day so I have very little help from him. Family is all over an hour away so I really don't have a lot of help there either. I'm truely looking for a breastfeeding friendly doc or theripist (not sure they exist in this area but if they do I'll be finding them). Thank you again.


estercita Thank you. Sadly, I'm not sure that I would have a lot of weight at this particular clinic, if I complained. I have issued complaints in the past about an incident involving my now 4 year old son. He had an illness involving his thyroid, The dr was very very unprofessional.. (he used an ungloved finger as a tongue depressor! and there was more to the complaint) I filed a formal complaint there!! This was at a "sister" clinic in a neighboring town but several of the drs travel back and forth - Not the dr I complained about tho or I would have stopped going there nearly 1 1/2 ago.


I'm talking to my chiropractor about family - breastfeeding friendly options. Thanks again to everyone for the advice. I appreciate it.

Wow, can't believe doc told you that! I have an almost 7 month old son. Awesome, perfect, enjoyable home birth, full intent to breastfeed, but got ppd. I don't think too bad, I never had a single thought of hurting him, but just started hating my life. Baby turned out to be my only relief and joy for a few months. Anyway, I always intended to BF, but I think the PPD caused a lot of trouble, he just wouldn't do it. Ended up bottle feeding him my breast milk, but always trying to BF first. He didn't end up nursing well until 3 months, right around the time I felt better.

BF is awesome and best for baby. You sound dedicated, I wouldn't quit. Since its important to you you may feel more guilty if you quit. Can you get out of the house? Go to a woman's group? Talk to women? Hang out with friends? Even just share on here? BF is so good, it would be sad to quit. I recommend a "hippyish" women's or momma group where you can just be yourself and share and get support, rather than traditional counciling.

[mediumcrunch]

Yes, you can breastfeed with PPD and can breastfeed while taking PPD meds should you choose to go that route. Rarely does weaning help PPD unless it is a source of stress or illness for you, which doesn't sound like the case.
Millions of women have breastfed while on pharmacological therapy for PPD. During my worst bout of severe postpartum anxiety (which almost had me hospitalized) I was taking a lot more than a little ssri and continued to nurse my 4 month old with the support of my psychiatrist and my pediatrician.
Find another doctor, one who is knowledgeable about drugs and breastfeeding. There is very little out there that you can't take while nursing an 8 month old. An 8 day old would be different but at 8 months? You need and can do whatever it takes to get you better.

[snarky]

For supplements - you should consider Vitamin D supplement, fish oil (or other omega 3s), and vitamin B complex, in decreasing order of importance.

[D'smomma]

babyulu yes I'm very dedicated to breast feeding. With this baby its not been easy. He started of with a tounge tie... well actually it was his upper lip. MAJOR nursing PAIN!!!! I pumped to keep my supply up because the baby was unable to nurse effectively. He only gained 5 oz in a little over 3 weeks. He gained a pound the first week after the fix.

Then when the baby was 5 months we had a virus go through our home. It was no big deal for the majority of our family, but for the baby it turned into kawasaki disease. I was back to pumping as the baby went on a major nursing strike during this illness. This was another fight with our local ped... UGH!!! I don't get along to well with dr.s... sadly! (we don't vax so every illness is automatically diagnosed as a vax preventable illness weather the symptoms are there or not). The ped tried to diagnosis the baby as having swine flu.. which he didn't have.

The bond that I have had with the children I have long term nursed is well worth everything! I love the smell of a nursed baby... everything about nursing is positive to me... so yes if I had to stop it would be devistating and depressing. A hippish group would be awesome. I do think I would fit in if they wouldn't mind an older 40ish mom. How do I find such a group?

Mediumcrunch and Snarky thank you both very much.
Mediumcrunch I've about given up on dr's here.
Snarky Thanks for the suppliment recommendations. I'll have to add omega 3's. Ive recently begun a raised veggie/herb/flower garden so I'm outside a lot more for D, and I'm taking B in a suppliment. Thank you again for the advice. I will get past this...

Oh, I took the quiz on the front page.... my score sadly was 80!!!!! I'm NO danger to myself or my baby. But, yes I'm lonely, I have funky thoughts (which honestly I've had after every birth and never realized it was a sign of depression). I'm also fatigued, unmotivated, sad, I feel numb... cut off from everyone... I don't feel I'm a good mom... hummmm.

[DoulaVallere]

Your doctor has no idea what they are talking about. My husband is a psychiatrist and they had a Grand Rounds not long ago talking about breastfeeding safe meds for PPD and Zoloft is the #1 choice. Telling a woman she has to wean to take medication is archaic...there are VERY few things nowdays that don't have a breastfeeding safe option for treatment...typically only antivirals and chemo drugs.

Definately more vitamin D...sunshine is your friend! Also, can you plug in with some groups nearby that have like-minded mamas? La Leche League, perhaps? A Holistic Moms group? A Natural Parenting or AP group? Check for Yahoo groups with any of those types of key words in your area. That's how I found my AP group!

Best of luck! I had PPD after my second son's birth...which I also thought was PERFECT...birth center water birth, quick 5 hour labor, 20 min pushing, excellent breastfeeder...but still, a few months in, I just fell in a hole. It can happen to any woman, but it does get better!

[LynnS6]

I just wanted to chime in and say that I breastfed both my kids while on meds. (Paxil both times.) They're fine. They're healthy, happy, smart, sometimes cranky and maddening, active, typical kids.

You need a doctor (probably a psychiatrist) who understands what they're doing with a breastfeeding mother. I breastfed dd for 4 years and was on meds the whole time.

[moondiapers]

Can you get in to see your OB? That's where I get my antidepressants.

[Avani]

I wanted to add evening primrose oil was helpful for me because of hormonal imbalances creating more depression/anxiety. My chiropractor put me on an adrenal supplement called drenamin (google it, available online and amazing) plus st johns wort. i am nursing and got the ok for all the above. exercise and sunlight are important also! A little time alone even is amazing.