Besides consuming the placenta..PPD help!

[jlizgar]

What are some other natural and effective way to prevent or treat PPD besides consuming the placenta?

Liz

[MomtoXane]

postpartum.net

A good labor support team and an excellent diet will go a long way in preventing PPD.

[MsBlack]

Adequate diet and plenty of calories if you're breastfeeding, adequate rest (which may mean lots of naps and less housework), getting out into the sunshine and getting some exercise along with the fresh air, having social support/companionship in due measure, getting others to hold the baby while you accomplish self-care and a little downtime (like for a nice bath and such)--and finding people to talk to if you start to feel signs of ppd coming on.

Exhaustion, undernourishment and isolation seem to be very much at the root of ppd for so many women. So do all you can of the simple ordinary things to keep yourself contented and steady....and get some help in simple ordinary ways, too.

Not sure where, but there is a whole forum here on MDC on PPD--take a look, there's lots of advice there (I'm being lazy--I've gone there a time or 2 but not recently, can't direct you exactly without looking it up).

[thefragile7393]

Fish oil too can help as well, along with everything that has been mentioned already.

[JW1021]

Fish oil really does work well. I had a rough time for about a year after I had my four year old, and I finally got on anti depressants, hated them! I switched to 5 HTP which helped as well. Since I am pregnant now, I am taking the fish oil, which has made a considerable difference.

[Belleweather]

Fish Oil, or ANY way to get lots of Omega 3's is fantastic for PPD. Not only will it help your mood and stability, but it helps your baby's brain and helps them regulate sleep. Flax seed oil and Evening Primrose Oil are other ways to get Omega 3s.

Also, and I know this is unpopular on MDC, but supplementing yourself with Vitamin D. Especially if you have a babe born in the winter and extra-especially if you're in a northern latitude. Yes, it is possible to make enough vitamin D if you're exposed to enough sunlight. But "enough" means out in the sun for at least 30 minutes a day, mostly uncovered. That can be hard if you're living in the north and it's -30 for days on end.

[taramommy]

I second the suggestions of the pps above... As a previous sufferer of PPD, (I did end up on anti depressants for a time and they did help somewhat, but therapy helped more), I can also add making sure you are getting sufficient B vitamins and starting your day with a healthy breakfast with plenty of protein. The latter was the suggestion of a friend of mine and it did seem to help. Also, my dh installed a full-spectrum light bulb in a room where I spent lots of time to help on blah winter days (we are in Upstate NY).

[phatchristy]

How is consuming the placenta supposed to help with PPD? I'm wondering about this one.

I've never had PPD here, though I breastfeed on demand, live in FL (think SUNSHINE), and do take supplements (omega and B vitamins).

[chic2chic]

breastfeeding dramatically lowers risk of PPD.

(make sure you get enough rest. sleeping with your baby makes it easier to nurse through the night)

[jlizgar]

Do a search on encapsulating the placenta and you will probably find out the info on why some say consuming the placenta is a great way to fend off PPD, I just dont know if ill be able to do that so im looking at all my other options just in case!
Thanks everyone for your suggestions! I appreciate it!

Originally Posted by phatchristy

How is consuming the placenta supposed to help with PPD? I'm wondering about this one.

I've never had PPD here, though I breastfeed on demand, live in FL (think SUNSHINE), and do take supplements (omega and B vitamins).