Finally

[Angela512]

After a year of feeling depressed and becoming increasingly self-sheltered and having some disturbing dreams (where I kill all my kids), I finally went to the doctor and was diagnosed with PPD. Probably was over-looked before since I'm pregnant again (about 6 1/2 months along) and written off as "hormonal". But, after having those dreams and not eating/sleeping/and just behaving "not like myself", I was finally diagnosed.

I decided not to go the medicine route and opted to do this with a Naturopath.

Has anyone else done the more natural route and what were your experiences? I am open to using prescriptions, but only as a last resort as I do not trust the pharmaceuticals to not cause problems with my unborn baby or my currently breastfeeding 15 month old. I'm also not too keen on the side effects of all the meds.

I guess I'm just looking for more support and for more information about other people's experiences with the natural route (and how you dealt with the talk that it won't work).

Thanks.

[lisasaurus]

thats so great that you took such a huge step towards feeling better! i'm sorry to hear you've been suffering so long. i'm sure just knowing whats going on, and having a plan for getting better must be such a relief!

i know "natural" treatments have helped loads and loads of women deal with their PPD. i tried that route first because, like you, i don't trust the pharmaceuticals. unfortunately i was in such a deep spiral of acute anxiety/depression, that i needed more than the naturopath could offer, so she helped me find a psychiatrist. i did end up going the medication route with a psychiatrist because i was really really sick.

but i have no doubt that if i was in a more stable state (which it sounds like you are) that the naturopathic route would have helped immensely. i still don't trust pharmaceuticals, and there is a part of me that still hates having to take them. but i am alive today, functioning well, and enjoying taking care of my son which is the most important part.

will you be going the therapy route as well? i feel like that is a huge piece of the puzzle.

again, congratulations on summoning the courage to ask for help! its not easy, i know. hang in there mama!

[Angela512]

I will be, but at this point I can only do one thing at a time. It's all so overwhelming, but I feel like there is some kind of light at the end of the tunnel.

I'm also feeling really sad because I lost a lot of friendship connections over all of this (just my behavior, etc) and so now, instead of just FEELING alone, I am alone (friend-wise) and needing to get out and meet new people, try to reconnect with the old friends. But, *sigh* I'm just trying to do one thing at a time and not feel so lost.

Thanks for your words of encouragement. I never thought I would get PPD. It was always one of those things that happens to someone else. But, you're right. Now that I know...it is a relief.

[lisasaurus]

maybe some of your friends that are alienated would be receptive to your asking for support now? its definitely another piece of the puzzle to have a good support network in place. sometimes just being blatantly honest about your circumstances (hi i know we haven;t been speaking, but i have PPD and i could really use a friend) works wonders. i've had to totally rebuild lots of friendships too. the alternative - being alone with a baby all day everyday - just wasn't an option. i feel like for the first time in a very long time i have some solid girl friends. its a nice feeling.

try not to get overwhelmed by the process. just one day at a time. and you'll see soon that you're having more good days than bad.

[CharlieToaster]

Hi! I totally understand the alienation you are feeling. Sometimes what we put out is what we get back. If you are ppd you aren't feeling so great so not so great stuff is coming back. When I started meds it all changed immediately. When I felt better better stuff was mirrored back to me. It was awesome!

I wholeheartedly respect your desire to get natural but I encourage you to seriously consider meds. They can make all the difference and they don't have to be forever. You can do both.

Good luck!

[Angela512]

Originally Posted by CharlieToaster

I wholeheartedly respect your desire to get natural but I encourage you to seriously consider meds. They can make all the difference and they don't have to be forever. You can do both.

Good luck!

Thanks, but while I did get a prescription, I researched everything on the meds that are prescribed to women with PPD. From what I've found, no SSRI's are safe (despite what the doctors may say).

"the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) now recommends that the decision to use SSRIs and related drugs in pregnancy should be made on an individual basis. In addition, ACOG recommends that women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should specifically avoid taking Paxil."

"Another analysis showed that babies whose mothers take SSRIs during pregnancy may be more likely to be born prematurely, have low birth weight, spend time in a neonatal intensive care unit, and have trouble adapting to life outside the womb. This was particularly the case for babies of women who were also taking other drugs for mental conditions or who smoked or drank alcohol."

http://www.babycenter.com/404_is-it-...gnancy_2343.bc

Those statements right there are big reason for me to not take any anti-depressants now (while pregnant) or later (while breastfeeding). If it absolutely, positively comes down the fact that I need to do so, I will...but I will exhaust every other method first.

I am beginning to feel better and I feel like getting my hormones back on track (as much as can be possible during pregnancy) along with my vitamin/mineral balance is working very well. But, thank you for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate it.

[mom0810]

Not sure when you found the info above, but two NEW studies came out this summer that showed NO negative effects from taking SSRI's, including Paxil, during pregnancy.

They were both independent studies and very reliable. My OB was totally fine with my taking zoloft during pregnancy and nursing, and both of my kiddos are just fine. No troubles at all.

Of course, the choice is totally yours. But do not NOT take it because you are looking at outdated information. In fact, the newest studies show that it is much more harmful to the baby for mom to NOT take meds for depression/anxiety that it is to be exposed to meds. So there you go.

Best of luck either way you decide.

Wanted to add that the article you site gives data from a study done in 2006. The two studies I referred to are from summer 2007, so much more current. Hope that helps.