Postpartum Depression - Milan,MI

Oh, yes! Go get on an antidepressant. You should not have to stay on it for too long, but it will help you. And dont feel bad, it happens.

Hi D.,
I was not treated for my PPD until my daughter was 7 months old. I didn't think I could possibly be affected by PPD that late in the game, but when I went in and spoke with my doctor she said I have a number of the signs and that it is normal for it to show up later. I did not have a lot of depression, but I was really struggling with some anxiety issues. Good luck and don't wait. It will help.

Hi D.,

Post partum can show up a lot later than you would think. I had it terribly with my first daughter and medication made all the difference. Just a tiny dose for a few months and I was off it. I started taking the meds before my other 2 were even born and never did have the symptoms. I would talk to you doctor and see what they can do for you. You don't have to feel this way.

C.

Often, having your life torn into tiny shreds and feeling it raining down all over your world is depressing... up until this week, the busyness and the excitement of it all probably just bouyed you along. Now that the mundane has set back it, it 'blooms' in front of you...

Adding another person to a family kicks over all the established pecking orders and communication lines and what everyone gets to take for granted, inciting a new round of negotiations (usually below the surface) that amounts to feeling seriously off balance for a while. Add some hormones and sleepless nights, and magically, all is not well with the world this week.

When you are experiencing this, take the time and energy necessary to feel your way through. Make sure you take extra-especially good care of your children's mother, be extraordinarily gentle with her, particularly regarding what you can do or 'should' be doing. Remember that your primary (biological) task right now is making sure the baby (and the rest of your family, including you) survives.

We have a lot of demands which make that very difficult, especially if you have a hard time saying no, or want to be 'nice' or have a lot of people expecting you to be 'normal'... or if you expect adding a third small body to a family of 4 is anything like the same as adding a second small body to a family of 3...

A week does not a depression make. It is important to cry, to let your children see you cry, to allow the blues to pass. You can't make a feeling go away by pretending it's not happening...

I take a natural dietary supplement called "Bliss" to offset extreme anxiety or stress that comes my way. It is awesome! See www.marketamerica.com/thevoiceoftruth and click on anti-aging and Bliss for ingredients, etc. (I only need a half serving...)

Good luck!

S.
____@____.com

D.,

Some of my "darkest" moments were when my babies were around 9 weeks. It's hard because you feel like you should be coming out of it, but you're still having trouble just getting through the day. Don't worry, there's nothing wrong with you! Although a doctor could tell you for sure if you have a chemical imbalance. Make sure you get some sunlight each day, that helps.
If you would like to get together with a group of supportive moms, you can come and visit my mom's group! We have a webpage: www.oakarbor.org/community/momstots.html. We meet in a big beautiful room with lots of sunlight coming through the windows. Visitors are welcome anytime!

D.

Postpartum depression can be a very serious side effect from delivery. Make an appointment and get in to see your Dr. as soon as possible/ They should be able to help you.

E.

please see your doctor. i know it can be hard to discuss it. i just found treatment for my depression (although not post partum) and it's the best thing i could have done for yourself and your family. once you get the ball rolling you will feel better. postpartum depression can happen as late as 2 years after giving birth. please get help, you won't regret it.

D.,

you can post partum up to year after birth. You need to reach out to loved ones and tell them you are having trouble. It's very normal, but if you feel you can't handle things in a day, call someone to come over to be with you and your baby. If it gets any worse see your OB/GYN to get medical help. Don't do this alone - get support.

PPD can show up anytime after the birth of you child. It's all the hormones not knowing what to do because you've been pregnant for 9 mos. I had it real bad after my last child, and back then (25 yrs ago) they weren't as advanced with PPD as they are now. Unfortunately I had to lock myself in the bathroom for fear of harming myself because the stress was overbearing. I did talk to my mom about it and she did help some but I didn't seek professional help. I wish I had, you have to make time for yourself, to do something you really like doing some kind of hobby or even if it's just alone time. When your husband comes home have him sit with the baby so you can take a walk around the block by yourself, or go in your room and read a book. It helps when you have someone by your side...and it does get better...good luck...

Absolutely yes! Postpartum depression can result for an overwhelming shift in hormones as late as 9 weeks after birth - your hormones are definitely still in an adjustment period. It does not necessarily have to occur immediately post-birth. You might want to see your health care provider and or talk to a professional. Fortunately we live in a time in which there are a number of options for treating and diagnosing post-partum depression. You have many around you who love and support you; do the same for yourself, talk to someone. Many blessinga, L. T

D.,

I am a practicing homebirth midwife. It is not uncommon to have postpartum depression diagnosed even up to a year after the birth of the baby. There is a screening test that your healthcare provider may use to diagnose postpartum depression. There are also natural approches to alleviate this condition.
I recommend the book "Depression the Way Out" by Neil Nedley,MD. It has been a valuable resource for many people.

Seek assistance from your doctor right away! If nothing else, it will put your mind at ease to know you are doing what is best for you and your baby.

Are you breast feeding? I ask this because, if you are weaning or going through changes in your feeding schedule, the hormone levels in your body can also change dramatically, causing symptoms of PPD. Make note of any changes in your baby's development: some mommies are very connected to their babies hormone changes and you could be suffering with their growing or teething fluxes, too.

Postpartum depression can start for up to a year after giving birth.

D.~
It absolutely can! But even if it's not technically PPD, the name doesn't matter, getting help does. Don't ever put off seeing a doc when you feel down just because you don't think it fits into a specific category. I had terrible PPD and was afraid to be alone with my own children. Im much better now, and I owe it all to knowing that I needed help and that I wasn't less of a mommy because I wasn't coping well! Then best way to be a good parent is to take care of yourself!
~L.

You actually sound very normal. All your pregnancy hormones are returning to usual levels and you're probably experiencing that. But a couple of questions: are you nursing? THAT really begins to wear on you as the baby needs more and more, and, are you still taking your vitamins and eating healthy? Chasing babies is much more tiring that growing them! I think the hardest transitions for moms is no kids to 1, and then from 2 kids to 3. Suddenly, you're out of hands to hang on the each one, and the oldest one isn't quite big enough to help much with the other two. Plus, YOU have an 18 month old! HE'S still a baby! EAT RIGHT - good fuel gives you the most energy. It's also a good time to lower a few expectations. Babies don't last very long - your first one is 6 already! Hang in there!

yes it absolutely can. talk to your dr if you think you need to

D.,

Whether it is PPD or daily stress/adjustment, if you are feeling down, you really should seek assessment by a physician or licensed mental health professional. There are many things that can be done to help with PPD and support is out there if you dig around a bit. I didn't and wish I had! There is such a stigma about PPD- you feel as though you should be able to handle it all, be happy you have a baby, etc....sometimes it catches up to you, hormones are shifting and you're sleep deprived. PPD can happen anytime in the first year after birth and can be mild to severe. I encourage you (and any other moms out there who are feeling this way!) to get the support you deserve and take care of yourself.

D.,
I don't know whether you have postpartum or maybe just some baby blues. It has been a very LONG and hard winter here in Michigan! I think that we are all a little down from being inside all the time, no sunshine, and cold temps. I had my babies in Dec. and Feb. and it was tough. You just start to feel a little crazy in the winter! Think about doing something for yourself and get out of the house when you can. I know that it's not always good for your skin, but tanning can do wonders for you in giving you some light exposure! You also have two little ones, it's enough to make anyone feel a little blue. Just make sure that you are doing nice things for yourself, talk to your husband and let him know you are feeling blue. Good luck and I think we will all feel better when there is more sunshine than snow!

Daneille

It can show up quite a while after you have your baby . That is not uncommon. I would say to call your doctor and talk to them. They can help you understand what you are going through and help you with any issues you are having......

Get some help immediately. Of course it can be post partum depression. It can show up for a very long time. See your doctor and get some meds....you won't need them for long, just to get through this. Good Luck.

Take it seriously and talk to your doctor about it and don't let up until you're feeling better. I was depressed the last trimester of my first pregnancy through delivery of my second (2 years of my life!) It will get worse if it's not diagnosed. You owe it to yourself and your children to take care of you. Praying for you and yours!

D.,

Hi, My baby is 2 1/2 months old now. And I recently went through feeling really down too. What I did was allow my self to cry. Even if I was crying about nothing. Also the doctor's suggest taking Fish Oil for the omgea 3. When you have a baby it depletes you of alot of things and your system can be thrown way off. Fish has alot of B vitimans in it to. It could be hormones too. If it gets real bad call your Doctor. They say it can happen even 6 months later. Remember to get outside as much as you can ( If your not) Hang on it will pass. I know quite a few people who went through it. Also don't be alone alot. Try and talk to a friend. I'm having more good days now. Still feel low every once in awhile. But I can see improvment.

Hope this helps :-)

S.

Just reading your letter , I was overwhelmed. 3 kids ages 6 & under wow !!! That can be very demanding. Do you have others for support ?? If you do, get out of the house, walk & breath on your own for a while, when your not responsible for any one but yourself !!If this continues see your doctor, you don't have to suffer.

Hi D.,
Yes you could very well have postpartum depression and should see a doctor. I myself just googled it last week because my daughter is 5 1/2 months and I was feeling the same way. You can get it up to 6 months after your baby is born. But your doctor will be able to tell you for sure or not if that's what it is and also how to treat it. Good Luck, I understand how you are feeling.
S.

It so can come on this late, mine didn't start showing signs until 6-7 weeks and I fought it, than finally sought help after a few weeks. My mom was the same way and it got worst after each kid. Take care of yourself and know that you will get through it. Do nice things for yourself without guilt, you deserve it and you can't be a good parent to your kids if your not taking care of yourself so make it a priority. Good Luck!

D., it totally can and if you think your feeling it please see your doc. I was an idiot and blew it off and did nothing and looking back and speaking with a counselor now I think I really was and it lasted quite awhile because it wasn't dealt with and was untreated.

I had PPD after both my children and it was never obvious until 6 moths out! It just seemed to be a pattern of showing up several months down the road. Sounds like you may be experienceing normal PPD. Talk to your Dr.~ there are amazing options to treat PPD these days!

Absolutely it can come later on. I know I thought I was "out of the woods" and all of a sudden I went into a tailspin...I didn't realize until it was further along than I would have wanted. You are smart to recognize it and do something about it early! Good for you! I know everything is overwhelming, but there are ways out there to help you get through without feeling terrible. Good luck to you, D.!

D.,

I am a nurse and the mother of an energetic 20 month old. The answer to your question is an emphatic yes, you can develop postpartum depression even after 9 weeks! Post-partum is a serious illness, nothing to be ashamed of, and I think it is great that you are able to recognize that something is not right. I encourage you to speak openly with your doctor about how you are feeling right away so as to help prevent things from getting worse. Also, it is very important to utilize your support system as much as possible and talk about how you are feeling. Sharing with other mom's who have had similar experiences can be highly therapeutic as well! I wish you the best of luck and God bless!

D. - I was diagnosed with postpartum depression after I returned to work with my youngest. She was probably between 9 and 12 weeks at that point - so yes it can set in that late. I was put on an anti-depressant and anti anxiety drug for about 9 months, my doctor then weaned me off them to see how I was doing. I feel I was a much better mother for recognizing the need, getting treated, and was able to take care of my two girls by myself if needed. I would recommend checking with either your OBGYN or your regular doctor and get their input. They would know best, after talking to you, if it is postpartum depression.

My doctor told me you could experience post partum depression up to 1 year after the birth of your baby. I had prepartum depression that went undiagnosed and then turned into post partum depression immediately after having Zac. If you notice your symptoms staying the same or getting worse and it's been 2 weeks, you could be suffering post partum depression. I suggest you talk to your doctor and write down all your symptoms before you go. Hope this helps!-S. T

Sorry to hear that you are feeling blue, and yes postpartum can come on even up to a year after having your baby. I put off doing anything about it for myself thinking the same as you, that it must be something else. I tried to find things that made me happy (art) and then arranged with my husband to have a night off where I would go in our spare room and close the door and have on my own music while I would paint and make presents. That really helped lift my spirits, since then I have also taken classes with & without my children. Give yourself time and priority so that you are at your best to give to your kids.