Hormone Imbalance /Post Partum Depression at 5 Months?

it seems like your getting some really great advice! i want to add two things: 1st, if your sketchy on taking any medicines, i understand. These medicines shouldnt be taken lightly. i firmly believe in them. they saved my life while i was a teenager, and i'm taking them now for my ppd. but.... if you think about how these chemicals affect our brains...sometimes they can make you worse or better. you dont know what they will do to a baby. enough said on that. i would obviously take something because its seems you need it. (go to your ob/gyn, its much cheaper than going to a psychiatrist by the way) I'd personally stop breastfeeding and take care of yourself. of course when you have ppd, you feel more guilty than ever, but you will be a better mom if you are all there and can think clearly. Formulas are so much better than they used to be, and 5 months has gotten your baby plenty of healthy boob milke already, in fact, your baby is i'm sure getting food by now, so all his/her nutrition isnt coming from you. This is a serious condition, mind you that may not just go away on its own. Getting sleep would help, and your baby should be sleeping better by now anywyas? maybe once for a feeding? if not, than you should be giving them more food at night by the way, so tummy stays fuller longer...but it sounds like its more like you cant go to sleep, insomnia? sounds like anxiety, more than ppd, but they go hand in hand anyways, a lot of the medicines treat both. good luck to you, sweetie. whatever you do, dont feel guilty!!

Not all medications are fine to take while pregnant/breastfeeding. Please do your research before taking them and weigh the pros and cons.

I am dealing with PPD now and see a naturopath who gives me supplements of herbs and vitamins, etc. It's worked wonderfully for me.

I do agree that you need to see someone who specializes in PPD, though, to talk through the issues you are dealing with. PPD is not just a hormonal imbalance, but an emotional one (I've found that the vast majority of women I know who have PPD is because they feel that they are lacking support at home/with the kids). But, whatever the reason, you need to find a way to deal with and change that.

Good luck!

PPD can strike any time in the first year and beyond. Mine did not surface until I was 9 months postpartum.

Medication is absolutely FINE to take while nursing. Go to a therapist who specializes in PPD, I can help you find one if you need help. Zoloft is the medication of choice for breastfeeding and pregnancy. I took it while nursing ds1 to 19 months, and while pregnant and nursing ds2.

You are on the right track looking for help. www.postpartum.net will help you more. Best wishes and feel free to email me. I've been there and back.

its not impossible to have delayed post partum depression. depresion really can strike at any time. I have battled it on and off since I was a pre-teen. Some of it was environmental, sometimes it struck at times when my life was at it's easiest and greatest and it didn't make any sense to me.

there were times i was exhausted... and i felt sooooo tired, i couldn't keep my eyes open, but when i laid down, i couldn't sleep either. as i get older and with each baby it seems my 'mental' problems are more complex, and goofy. I never had to have things 'perfect' - but i find (and embrace) my quirkiness (bath towels need to be perfectly folded stacked and organized by size, i count stairs, my spices need to be in the cabinet just so, diapers need to be lined up neatly... closet doors must be closed - this irritates me to no end... i could go on and on... but i digress)

And, have you ever noticed, in a time of crisis... i mean a true fight or flight situation, you are calm and can take charge of the situation, but when it's over you seem to fall to pieces? I still remember when my daughter knocked out her two front teeth... even the root came out - there was blood everywhere and two big gaping holes where her teeth used to be - i was swift and calm and then once she was fine, i fell apart. i cried (i dont know why i cried), i shook for 30 minutes and even puked - not from the sight of blood - that doesn't bother me... but my nerves were just totally out of control. Anyway, my attempt at an analogy there is that maybe now that things have calmed down a bit and you're probably not as crazy with baby care, you are having more of these types of panicky moments...

when i am having considerable trouble sleeping I have tried melatonin (it naturally occurs in your body, during the time you are falling asleep) and for anxiety that occurs due to situational issues (like if i'm flying, or about to speak in front of a group) I take valerian root. I do not mix 'herbs' with my prescription medicine though and I currently take Paxil (there are medications that are considered 'safe' for breastfeeding, and I am not sure about herbs, so take heed on those as well) so it's been a while.

talk to your Primary Care Physician about your concerns... with winter's veil lifting, I think spring is the time most people feel their best. If you are feeling blue, when you know you have every reason to be happy and to be enjoying life, then there probably is 'something' going on to prevent that.

Good luck to you S.!

Hi S.,

I am so sorry that you are going through this. I don't know if you know this- but PPD can strike up to 18 months AFTER you have the baby.

I have two children and suffered with it. My first son was about 9 months old and I was crying ALL the time. I kept telling my husband "I don't know what's wrong with me, I can't stop crying". My husband is a really patient guy, and even he was on the verge of losing it because I was so out of control. I was convinced that my mother-in-law thought that she was the baby's mom etc. It went on and on and on. It was terrible.

I went to my dr. and discussed what was going on and he said I had PPD. I was surprised because I didn't think you could get it that long after having a baby, but you can. We discussed medication, but I decided against it and tried a more natural approach. I started taking flaxseed oil and it helped me so much.

I think when you get into a cycle of bad/lack of sleep etc. everything just sprials out of control. I posted a message on the boards a few days ago about being tired and feeling like I am falling apart at the seems. I got over 100 replies (including the private messages I received). The message I got most was to take care of myself. You need to do that-

Have you talked to a doctor or tried taking a natural supplement? I swear by the flaxseed oil caplets. It takes a few days to feel the benefits, but you will feel better.

Also, is there anyone who can watch the kids while you get a good night of sleep? Sometimes that will do wonders for you.

I sure hope you are feeling better soon. I know how awful it can be.

If you need anything please feel free to send me a message.

MV