Postpartum Depression

[Suzqtraining]

I had very severe postparum depression when I had my baby 8 month ago. It has gotten better ...but once in a while I feel it coming back (not as bad) but more at night and after my workouts???

[darlacz]

I feel your pain. I had prenatal depression with both babies(whole first trimester) and an extended period of "baby blues" with some bizarre thoughts after the first. I know in my case it was hormonal...I'm lucky that I have a great ob/gyn who makes all of her patients have a 2 week postpartum visit just to check their mental status. Thankfully it passed before too long but there are several meds out there to take just temporarily to help with the transition. I don't feel it is a crutch or a band-aid to take something if you and your doc decide you need it.

I'm not sure why you'd still be having it at 8 months postpartum but then again I'm not an expert. I also don't know why the workouts and time of day would affect it unless it is related to blood sugar or something. I'm curious to see what others have to say about it.

Good luck and hang in there.

[donnajo]

I went through some post partum too. My doctor put me on effexor and it seemed to help a lot. Are you taking anything for it?

[liberty]

PPD can last as long as you are breast feeding, ie if you nurse for two years you still have the hormones that can cause PPD. Interesting that you feel blue after exercise as that usually helps. I didn't have depression but had the anxiety component. I never took meds but did get my ass back in the gym on a really regular basis and that seemed to sort out my hormones.
C

[freckles]

There are a lot of doctors that feel that 6-9 months post-partum is when ppd really starts to rear it's ugly head... if you are starting to feel worse again please seek professional advice. I had severe ppd with my 2nd daughter and feel it is very important to talk to your doctor. While I was experiencing ppd right after the birth My ppd didn't hit me hard until she was about 10 months old.

Unfortunatley, exercise isn't always the answer - sometimes this can make things worse as you may be 'overdoing' things day-to-day, and exercising can be compounding exhaustion. In my case, I didn't think I was as exhausted as I was, and was exercising like a crazy lady, cleaning my house for hours on end, walking the kids to and from play groups, and walking to and from the grocery store everyday. I thought I was doing everything right... until someone pointed out that I had a baby, and perhaps I should rest a bit :unsure: Be sure to take a look at your overall health, and make sure that you are looking after yourself in a good way... yes exercise is good, but remember that not everyone can, should, or has to, do it 'all'. ;)

Be :love: to yourself.

[homeschoolmom]

Great reply freckles. I had a minor case of PPD with my 4th child and I was doing exactly what you were talking about...way too much! I was still homeschooling my other 3, breastfeeding around the clock, trying to workout, dealing with colicky baby, potty training a 2 year old, and it just was too much. I felt everything just spiraling out of control. I cried every single day until DH called my mother. My mother flew back here and helped me out until I got out of my hole.

I feel for you suzq. It's not easy to parent when you feel like crap. To be on the safe side, I'd go back to your doctor and let them know what you're experiencing.

(((HUGS)))

[Suzqtraining]

Hello everyone,

Sorry for the late reply I was up north the whole weekend :blink:
But yeah my doctor put me on Progesterone cream the first month after the baby and it really helped out
actually it took it all away!! :clap:

But I did stop it a while back and I was trying go throughout my day without it. So I have a routine of exercise, work, take care of family etc...,.I think what was said by "dont over doing it" is true I think I just need to be reminded of it. I went back on the cream and so far it has been better. But they say the postpartum depression can last up to a year....so I think I will have some good days and others not too good. Maybe on the days that are not to good I will take it easy on the exercise..... :flex:

[Inatic]

PPD(post partum depression) should only last 3 mo while your hormones adjust and get back into action post pregnancy.

Depression lasting longer than that from post partum, should be addressed. Thyroid hormones often slip on women after children. Depression is often the first sign. Get your Free T's tested. They should be midrange or higher. Low Free T3 is often why post partum women suffer with depression.

[liberty]

Originally posted by Inatic@Jun 5 2006, 07:38 AM
PPD(post partum depression) should only last 3 mo while your hormones adjust and get back into action post pregnancy.

Depression lasting longer than that from post partum, should be addressed. Thyroid hormones often slip on women after children. Depression is often the first sign. Get your Free T's tested. They should be midrange or higher. Low Free T3 is often why post partum women suffer with depression.
I am sorry this is not true. While you are breast feeding your hormones are still in a mess and many cases of PPD are diagnosed in the latter part of the first year and sometimes even after the baby is a year old. Hormones even when not nursing do not sort out in three months.
C

[homeschoolmom]

I agree with Liberty here. Your hormones are still in flux while nursing and will continue to be as such as long as you nurse. I know that one of my lowest points was when my nursling weaned. Hormonal upheaval is hell!! :lol:

[Inatic]

:)

She hadnt mentioned BF'ing.. didnt take that into acct.

:oops:

[homeschoolmom]

You know what? She didn't mention breastfeeding!! I just assumed she was! You're right Inatic, she might not be breastfeeding. Oh heck and I know what happens when I assume! My turn to be :oops: !

[liberty]

Originally posted by Inatic@Jun 5 2006, 12:08 PM
:)

She hadnt mentioned BF'ing.. didnt take that into acct.

:oops:
No need for the :oops: face we are all trying to help right? I always assume breast feeding but as I said the hormones will rollic along whether bf or not. Sometimes it is also a lack of Omega3 and 6 that mimic depression and it takes along time to build those back up after birth.
C

[Suzqtraining]

Well I did get all my hormones tested and all was good except my progsterone level. So I did start the progesterone and like I said that helped a lot. But its funny that you minchin the omega's because I did just start on that and I do feel it helps out. I actually stopped breast feeding early because of all my "issues" and the depression continued after that. But I think I just have to listen to my body and relax when I know I am going to have a difficult day. But all of ur advice was very helpfull. tx :love:

[Pinky]

Yes, I had PPD and are still on meds and seeing a psychologist, my daughter is 19 months now. I was not diagnosed until dd was 4.5 months old. I also had prenatal depression, but didn't realize it. My experience was such that, I am not interested in having any more children, ever. :suicide:

Depression is a serious issue, so whether it is PPD or not, I would see someone.

[jmrut22]

I had post partum depression as well. Mine was not discovered until my son was almost 9 months old. I took lexapro and felt much better. I also had depression during my pregnancy (but really wasnt aware of it- nor wanted to admit it). Looking back I realized I was depressed.

I didnt want to have any more children after that, but once I realized I could get help I have finally decided I want another one soon. My son is almost 2.5 now.

Jayetta

[Pinky]

Originally posted by jmrut22@Jun 8 2006, 03:05 PM
I had post partum depression as well. Mine was not discovered until my son was almost 9 months old. I took lexapro and felt much better. I also had depression during my pregnancy (but really wasnt aware of it- nor wanted to admit it). Looking back I realized I was depressed.

I didnt want to have any more children after that, but once I realized I could get help I have finally decided I want another one soon. My son is almost 2.5 now.

Jayetta
I was wondering about this. I really really do not want any more kids. Babies still make me anxious and my dd is now 19 mos.

Did you always feel like you didn't want anymore? Or did you know in the back of your mind you would? The reason I ask, is I always said that I didn't want kids at all, but deep down I knew I would. But now that I have my daughter ( i love her to bits), I truely do NOT want anymore. I hated being pg, I hated the first year after she was born, and I am still on meds and still see a psych. I am positive I do not want anymore. Did you feel this way and now you have changed your mind? Or did you always know you kinda wanted another.....?