Info on taking fish oil to treat ppd

[ibusymomto5]

I'm 4wks pp tomorrow, and I've been feeling ppd rare its ugly head. I remember someone mentioning that fish oil can help. Is this right? If so, does it matter which kind? How much would I take? Thanks

[mom0810]

It can help. I currently take 2000 mg/day of Carlson's fish oil. I also take a B supplement and magnesium.

I am 1 year pp, though, and I did rely on meds for some time. This is what I am taking now that I am off meds.

I would consult with your OB or midwife.

[deditus]

I took 3-4 t of Carlson's for about 2 months, then it started making me feel jittery, so I cut back. I also started taking 5 htp at the same time, so I can't say for sure how much the fish oil helped alone.

[reece19]

I've used 5-htp for depression before (not during pp times, though) and it is helpful. Just wanted to throw that in I hope you find something that works wonders.

[mom0810]

Do not take 5htp while breastfeeding. It is not safe.

[BeccaBaby1]

It ABSOLUTELY helped me. I take 2000 mg of fish oil, plus B vitamins and a good dose of exercise. I don't know if there is one brand that is better than another, but make sure that the oil is pure (tested for toxins and metals), and I also read that you want to get the kind that has more EPA than DHA (not sure why). Hope you find some relief.

[~threemoons~]

what helps with the depression is the EPA/DHA in the fish oil. Make sure you are getting a fish oil with high amounts. I take 1800 mg of either dha/or epa daily. I take a fish oil with high amounts (and have since dd was 4 mo) so I only have to take two teaspoons daily- 1 in the AM, one in the PM. Just make sure you are getting a good fish oil so you don't over do it on vitamin A and mercury. It has worked great for me.

[missmykael]

Iron

I upped my Iron and felt better right away. Not sure about fish oil though

[ibusymomto5]

Thanks for all the replies so far. Can anyone recommend a specific brand that's high in EPA/DHA and low in mercury? I had already bought this one and have taken it a couple of times. Is this okay, or should I get something better? http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...ct_id=10325047

I also decided to start taking my prenatal vitamins again to see if that will help. I'm also going to try and focus on eating a little healthier and getting regular exercise once this nasty cold is gone.

[mom0810]

Carlson's. They are an FDA regulated facility and are regularly tested for mercury. They are mercury and contaminant free.

[ibusymomto5]

Oops.. I totally forgot about seeing that higher in the thread. This foggy brain of mine, I tell ya. I've heard of Carlson's and will look for that at my local hfs. Thank you.

[7libramama]

I like Nordic Naturals I burped the Carlson's horribly! I actually didn't know about fish oil for depression my boyfriend told me about it just today. I had been taking fish oil in the past and had stopped(what a dummy). Hope you all and I feel better very soon!

[happyhippimama]

Originally Posted by missmykael

I upped my Iron and felt better right away. Not sure about fish oil though

That is a good idea.

[~threemoons~]

Originally Posted by 7libramama

I like Nordic Naturals I burped the Carlson's horribly! I actually didn't know about fish oil for depression my boyfriend told me about it just today. I had been taking fish oil in the past and had stopped(what a dummy). Hope you all and I feel better very soon!

I like nordic too. I get the lemon flavor and then add 1 tsp to an oz or two of OJ twice daily. If it still tastes too fishy, add it to lemon water and down it! I hope this works for you!

[BellaClaudia]

be cautious about fish oil..
it is important to know how little you know where it comes from and we all know how contaminated fishes in general are.. hence the idea that oil is free of contaminants is pretty .. hard to believe at best.
contaminants usually are generated in the oil exactly.


as to iron. yes. it is known that depression is oftentimes caused by the lack of it so taking it helps but...

it is always better to do it in food form then supplements because supplements are not as easily and safely absorbed by the body.

especially if you are nursing then any supplements are really a gamble..
you can't be never sure how much your body might take well.

also... iron supp usually causes constipation..
and as after delivery this is one thing I really would avoid

[selkiewoman]

I'm new here, and only two weeks pregnant, so I'm reading lots but haven't intro'd myself yet.

However, I saw this thread and want to mention this- quoted from this site for a supplement - 'Whilst omega-3 is present in fish oil, fish do not produce omega-3, fish obtain their omega-3 from their diet of algae. V-Pure is the world's first and purest form of Omega-3 with the essential long chain fatty acids, EPA & DHA."

They carry a non-fish source for those who prefer a source other than from fish oil itself.

http://www.water4.net/

As for iron, my sister used something called Floradix for iron, because she could not stomach ferrous sulfate. It was great! Through three pregnancies.

You can usually find Floradix in 'health food' stores.

[Indea88]

I took at least 1200mg/day, up to 2,000mg. I had a PP Psychosis with my first and suffered without knowing about Fish Oil.

I was well prepared for my second son and started taking EPA/DHA Prenatally.I was so afraid it would return.... I never did suffer from PPD the second time....
My bladder was cut in half during my c-section and my hgb was 6.0, I was weak and extremely anemic, but not depressed. I guess my fight to survive superceded my depression. But yes ,I did take Fish Oil the second time and also Floridex for the anemia. I don't think anemia causes PDD.

I still take 1200mg per day and it's been over 5 years...I swear by it