anticipating PPD and no meds?

[FireWithin]

I wrote this thread on the mental health area, not realizing there was a ppd forum. This info might be basic that I can find searching here, but I decided to post it anyway.


I have a 2.5 yr old and expecting a baby in May.
I had pretty severe, but undiagnosed PPD with my son. We didn't identify it until after the depression wore off. (I had a very tough labor and birth, and had a nonexistent support system)

THere were two main parts of the depression:

It was intense panic attacks when DH went work. I felt so abandoned and alone.
Intrusive violent thoughts (hearing voices) about my son. Kind of "what would happen if the blanket went over his face" etc. They weren't my thoughts, so at the time I didn't feel too worried. Now I feel that I should have been more worried because they were intrusive thoughts.

Once I identified what was happening, I promised myself that I would go on an anti-depressent for my second one. I was (am) too scared that these intrusive thoughts will become more active. I also worry about being able to parent a newborn while taking care of a toddler.

I have already struggled with depression during 1st trimester, which included mild panic attacks when DH left for work.

I am wondering if I can do this without meds and without going to a therapist.

1. I can have a strong support system including having famly stay with us (probably will total 6 weeks in home care, uncluding DH's time off- if the idea of having family live with me doesn't make me feel more depressed)
2. A strong support system of amazing mamas in my area. I think I could have a mama spend time with me for a couple hours a day a few times a week. Ideally in the late morning, so I know I will only be alone for a couple of hours after DH leaves.
3. herbal support? what can I do about this
4. omegas? Does pumping up on those help?
5. I am aware of my PPD tendency, and am skilled at self-analyzing - my knowledge and plan I think will help me

any other ideas? I am worried that I hearing voices the first time - what if it gets worse?


I just don't feel like dealing with a therapist, and having the complications of meds

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Just be aware that ppd can make u do things that u wouldnt do otherwise. It can get to the point were u no longer have any control of what u do.

Right before I had my dd there was that woman who drowned her 5 kids because of ppd she had been on meds but for some reason stopped them. I was terrified that this would happen to me. My ppd was very much like yours. I do not know why this woman did what she did but i think that had she stayed on her meds she would have not done it. ppd is like other mental illnesses in that the person can totally loose control without even realizing what is going on. I highly recommend that u not try to get thru it without some form of either medication or theropy. It just isnt worth the risk.

Plus why feel miserable when there is help out there. You should enjoy your children as much as possible while u can because they r only that small once. That is one of my greatest regreats with dd I didnt get help until she was 3 months old and i missed so much of her infancy because of it. Good Luck to you on what ever u decide to do.

[Gale Force]

Originally Posted by Mammo2Sammo

4. omegas? Does pumping up on those help?

Check out "Omega Connection" on depression and omega 3s. It has a chapter on PPD. He recommends 4 grams/day of the EPA in fish oil. Fish oil will also have DHA which is great for baby's brain development. I use Nordic Naturals but the author of the book recommends OmegaBrite (I think) because it has a higher EPA/DHA ratio.


Load up on B vitamins. Take them in liquid form. Don't bother with the tablets or capsules.

Originally Posted by Mammo2Sammo

Intrusive violent thoughts (hearing voices) about my son. Kind of "what would happen if the blanket went over his face" etc. They weren't my thoughts, so at the time I didn't feel too worried. Now I feel that I should have been more worried because they were intrusive thoughts.

This is where the therapy is critical. You need someone who can help assess where you are. What you describe is pretty typical PPD, not postpartum psychosis. With psychosis, you don't know that you shouldn't smother your child. With PPD we have these disturbing thoughts all the time but the fact that they disturb us is really a good sign in a way.


I did it without meds and it sucked but knowing what I know now, I would do it again without meds.

[callalillyanne]

Sorry to piggyback on this post, but does anyone know if you can take the 4 grams of fish oil capsules per day while concurrently taking an SSRI? (I'm on Lexapro).

Thanks for any input!