Post Partum Depression

[rikkiandjulie]

Someone please spell check my subject line. I have totally blanked on how to spell, and my phone won't give me the correct spelling.

Anyways, I am very scared of having PPD. I am already on medication for anxiety and depression - 50mg of Zoloft, and it has been helping for years. I am terrified that soon after birth I will be worse off than before and that PPD will set in. I am hoping to speak with my Dr about maybe upping my dose a little now, to try and combat any future PPD.

Does anyone have any advice about PPD? Or they were in a similar position?

[calsurb]

I think it's a good thing to ask our group. When I had our daughter I didn't have PPD, but I did get screened at every well baby check-up for her first year. I was screened when I was in the hospital prior to being released. Remember to be honest with your medical staff when asked about how you're coping. Also, the second night of your kiddos life can be a tough one. There were signs with instructions about difficult second nights for new parents. Thinking of you!

[mahler5]

Sounds like you are being very proactive in taking with your doctors. I would listen to their advice more than ours obviously. I will say that lack or sleep and time of year may play a factor too, so maybe think about that. I guess for me anyway, the time of year, if I am having some seasonal depression can affect me. Not sure if that applies to you. And the lack of sleep in first few weeks coupled with physical exhaustion can be hard.

I realize post partum depression is different than just lack of sleep etc. but you might want to worry more about making sure there are people there for you to help if you aren't sleeping (than upping a dose before then)?So you Can take naps etc. and in general help take care of you. And if you do get really depressed anyway make sure you have a game plan on what you are planning on doing. Who can be there while you get help if you need it etc.

But a psychiatrist, especially one that knows you may have a better idea of what would work best for you. Maybe you can have a game plan if medication for after you give birth or make sure their office can fit you in shortly after birth to touch base. Idk.

[cetcar]

I also remember they did a screening in the hospital before being discharged. And they gave out information. The advice I always heard was not to be afraid to talk about it and get help early on.

While I don't have personal advice, I will say that I was very hormonal and emotional after giving birth. For the first week or two, I cried easily, both happy and sad. CET was wonderful at reminding me that all I was feeling was totally normal.

A friend gave me the book "The Sh!t No One Tells You: A Guide to Surviving Your Baby's First Year" when M was born. I found it really helpful and could relate to how a lot of the stories in the book. It's an easy quick read.

It seems like you're being proactive which is great.

[bexincanada]

I second everything mahler5 said. Try not to let the anxiety make you worry about it beforehand and talk about how you feel afterward. Know the difference between PPD and "holy f, they let me take this baby home... how am I ever going to do this." It's normal to be overwhelmed, teary and emotional... not wanting to snuggle/be with the baby is a PPD distinction.

[esquette]

Just wanted to say that I get hormone related anxiety and depression (PMDD) and take meds to manage generally being anxious. I was completely prepared to get my ass kicked by PPD but I just experienced a little extra anxiety. Nothing unmanageable. Just to say: it isn't inevitable. But be on the safe side: tell your team and your doctors about your concerns. Have a plan.