Can PPD hit 9 mos after giving birth?

[smartair]

I had PPD with DS1 for over a year and didn't realize it until I woke up one day happy... I know sounds wierd. Now my DS2 is 9 mos old and I feel all of those old PPD feelings that I did after my first son's birth. Is this PPD? I am so scared to go through that again. I also worry now that both sons are old enough to know that I am struggling. We don't have mental health coverage. What do you do? Who do I see? How can I get help?

[Breastfeeding Insomniac]

It is possible, especially if you were bf and drastically reduced the amount of feeds, or weaned. Sometimes bf delays the drop in hormones that trigger ppd. As far as no insurance, contact http://postpartum.net/ and they should be able to refer you. In the meantime try to get in some exrecise, the release of serotonin helps the ppd.

[mom0810]

Absolutely, yes! Mine did not start until 9 mos or more after I had ds.

Experts say that PPD can begin anytime in the first year, or beyond. There is a great book, Beyond the Blues, that talks about PPD in all its forms. I really think it's a great one.

Check out the PSI website for a therapist near you. It's a common misconception that PPD begins right after childbirth, in fact in MOST cases according to my therapist, it's around 8 or 9 months. So you are right in that area. The only reason people think it's right away is that is what you hear in the media. It's actully not true.

I hope you find relief. It is out there, and usually a good therapist can guide you. PSI has a list of therapists in your area, no matter where you are. GOod luck.

[daniedb]

Absolutely it can. In your case, my first action would be to go see the OB. They can talk to you about your symptoms, assess you for depression and get you started on meds. GPs can also do it, so if you have a family doc that you trust, that's also a great resource, DH was prescribed an anti-dep from our family doc. I hope you feel better soon.

I can tell you that taking that first step is the hardest. Going to the provider, saying, "I think I'm dealing with depression" and getting meds for the first time just about did me in. That's the deal with depression, everything feels totally overwhelming, and it's a bear to ask for help because you feel so disabled and unworthy. Please update us when you take that next step. NOW is not too early to call - pick up the phone and make an appointment, missy!

[smartair]

Thanks all so much for the words of encouragement. I think that one of the hardest parts is admitting that I need help. Since I gave birth so long ago I just didn't know if it qualified as PPD. You all told me what I needed to hear. I am going to research help today.

[Surfacing]

Hi Mama, I had PPD from birth to 5 mos., then it came back at around 9 mos. So yes, I'm another voice here to say yes, it can happen. I hope you find some good resources in your area. Let us know how it turns out.

[Electra375]

Please also keep in the back of your mind that thyroid dysfunction can display symptoms of depression. And having babies puts every woman at risk to develop a thryoid dysfunction either hypo or hyper or both as in autoimmune disorder or thyroiditis after pregnancy.

My depression episodes through out my baby making years probably were all thryoid related. I am also suseptible to SADD, so I finally bought a sad lamp pregnant last year.

I hope you find the help you need to not feel in despare.

[GoodWillHunter]

mama.

[smartair]

Hummmm Thryoid dysfunction? Something to think about. I have stared using progesterone cream. It's been 3 days now and I don't feel any better. I actually feel a little worse: I had a run in with my MIL. We have always been on good terms. I admitted to her that I was having some PDD and she felt that was an invitation to critique my marriage, child rearing, ect. She said that she knew "something" was wrong. Then went through a list of what she thougth I was doing wrong. She also let me know that my DH could only "take so much" before...well, who knows. (I am assuming she meant leaving because she is divorced). She actully made me feel like I couldn't ask for any help from DH. I am so upset by her. To make it worse, DH was ott for a few days and she was suposed to be helping me. : Luckily I talked to DH and he was AWESOME! He really understands me and was able to talk me down a little.
Okay, I guess this turned into a vent.
Anyone with experience with progesterone cream? I am also getting my stress hormones checked (some saliva test).
Thanks again for all of the support!

[Electra375]

Personally, I would not use Progesterone cream until you knew if you actually were deficient in pregesterone. My GYN made this same suggestion to me b/c of some totally not normal cycle concerns. I simply will not do artifical Progesterone or Estrogen until I know if that is my problem, it is a dangerous game to play IMO. Too much of either one can create an imbalance that would make your symptoms worse, if it was done the wrong way. Especially in the PP period with nursing.
Just my take...
If you feel worse, that is a good indication that it isn't right for you right now.

As for MIL -- OIY... Best forget about that conversation and let "sleeping dogs lie", she has some serious control issues as well as thinking she knows her son would leave his wife b/c she is not well!!! For better, for worse, in sickness and in health -- till death do us part...