Moving from pre-natal depression to PPD and trying to do it herbally

[irishgreengables]

My OB and I have been discussing the possibility of me going on Zoloft at 36 weeks so that I can better handle potential PPD -- since I am experiencing depression pre-natally and since I have a history of depression. I took Zoloft a couple of years ago for depression and it helped, but the side-effects were too much for me. I successfully treated the depression through diet, exercise, and herbs, but do not know if the plan I did will work while pregnant and while nursing. I WOULD like to begin a program before delivering and possibly crashing.

Have you successfully treated pre-natal depression herbally? If so, did you take this into your post-natal regime and did it help? How? What did you do? What are some good resources?

I have PCOS BTW, if that helps.

Peace,

[gilnikche]

I tried to deal with my prenatal depression by using herbs such as Valerian. Words can not describe the hell that I was in. It only helped me to get a bit of sleep, but did not alleviate my symptoms. I was very determined to not take medication.

I ended up completely falling apart (an understatement) at two weeks postpartum. I can not put up my whole experience right now but you can do a forum search of my username to find out more. I ended up on Zoloft. I do not regret it. Have you talked to your doc about the side effects that you experienced? Did you take it more than a few weeks?

These are just a few random thoughts. I hope it is of some help.

[EllasMama]

Hi there, here is a link to a recent post asking a similar question:

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=141863

I just wanted to say that your idea to get yourself very well ahead of time is great, but you probably won't be able to keep up with routines of exercise, etc. at first, so try to find approaches that will be realistic with a newborn.

One of the absolute best things you can do for yourself prenatally is to line up a lot of help. Ask people to cook things you can put in your freezer. Schedule friends and family to visit for the purpose of cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, etc. -- NOT just to coo at the baby. That is YOUR job! Have a list by the phone of things you need from the store and if someone calls to ask if they can come over, have them bring you what you need. Have them run a bath for you. You get the point. And make sure it's not just for the first month. Help for several months will allow your body time to heal itself well.

Ante-partum depression does not always lead to post-partum depression. Some moms with APD have their babies and then are absolutely fine, who knows why. Others go on to have PPD. It's not a foregone conclusion that you will have PPD, but it's a good idea to think about the possibility.

Good luck!

Carol