I've mentioned before that I had postpartum depression (PPD) after Garrett was born, though I didn't realize it till after the fact. I've talked to my doctor about the PPD and what he would recommend I do this go around. He recommended meds if I was interested and gave me three options: 1)start taking the meds now, 2)start taking the meds a month before I'm due, 3)start taking them after the baby is born. He said option 3 was the least recommended because it can take a couple of months before the medicine starts working.
My first question is, should I worry that because I suffered with PPD with my first baby, it will automatically happen with the second one? I've heard of many women who had it with one pregnancy and not the other. So I know it's not a given that I will deal with it again. Should I play it safe and take medicine anyway "just in case"? Would there be some sort of strange side effect that maybe isn't typically a problem with these meds but would affect me, that would potentially be worse than PPD?
Obviously I'm not even to the point of dealing with the doctor's 3 recommendations with the meds. I've definitely ruled out #1. I don't see the point of being on any medicine right now when I don't need it right now. Option 3 bothers me some simply because if I do have to deal with this again, I don't want to wait 2 months before the meds kick in.
Keith and I have discussed this already. He's anti medicine in general. Since we've been married I've finally managed to convince him to take a tylenol when he has a headache, or cold medicine when he has a cold. He doesn't love the fact that I'm on a daily, prescription thyroid medicine, which isn't a big deal and is also necessary. So he obviously doesn't like any option that would have me taking a medicine. However, it's not a point of contention for us and, should I choose to take antidepressants, he won't question me or my decision.
I feel like some of my PPD with Garrett was mostly environmental. I went from teaching school to being at home full time (for my 8 week maternity leave) with a new baby that I ultimately knew little about taking care of. Obviously I knew the basics of feeding, diapering, etc, but little else. I felt very isolated and alone during that time. I certainly don't relish those feelings again. However, other than adding an additional child to our house (which is obviously HUGE), there will be minimal changes this go around. I will have much more of an idea of what to expect in dealing with a newborn, I'm already a stay at home mom, so there won't be a huge change to my day to day schedule (other than the nighttime feedings which I haven't done in 3 years). And the big plus, at least right now in my mind, is that Garrett will be here, someone to talk to and interact with on a minute by minute basis, during the day when Keith is at work. That may sound strange to even say that, but I don't think I will feel those isolated feelings simply because I'll have my own little chatterbox filling my time. Those are just some of the thoughts that I've been having.
So you can see my predicament. Now I'm turning to my friends to hear what you think about it. Obviously this will be a decision I will make based on a lot of different things, but I would love to hear your thoughts on PPD and antidepressants. If you've had any experience with either (or you personally know someone who has) I would love to hear about it.
4 comments:
Wow. No idea.
I truly feel I may be the wrong person to ask about this. As you know,I'm not a totally "drug free" person right now but I'm leaning more towards that. Taking an antidepressant sounds like a pretty big deal to me b/c I've never had to take them. But I do remember how much you suffered adn would hate for your to go through that again. I guess you have to do what you feel is right. I don't think it's a proven fact that if you've had PPD once you'll have it again but I can see why you would be afraid of that. I have been taking an herbal supplement that you could talk with your doc about if you were interested that is a" mood enhancer" I guess. I've been taking it to help my emotional state while living here. It was developed by the creater of "Attacking Anxiety and Depression Program"- Lucinda Bassett. It's called "Positive Mood" amd is dietary supplement that supports a "relaxed, strong and positive mental outlook". I got it at Walgreens. Again, if you were interested you would have to talk with your doc about it. I've only been taking it for a little over a week so I can't tell as yet how much it's doing for me. I have a friend who was on Zoloft while pregnant and bfing(under her doctor's supervision) and she noticed a huge change her baby'd behavior when she went off the Zoloft so it was obviously affecting the baby. But then she ended up having to go back on it. So, anyway, just pray for peace about the right decision. In the end you have to do what you adn Keith thing is best for your family
I know this is a difficut decision to make, but I still think that just because you had it with Garrett doesn't mean you're going to have it with this baby. Like you said, your situation at home is not going to change much. You'll have Garrett talking to you nonstop after this baby is born and wanting to help you! You are used to the baby thing now and not a new mother! I think you'll be able to make the right decision when the time comes!!!
You know Lydia, I was in the same boat as you with my first baby, quit my job, moved across country all being a first time mom. I didn't know that I was depressed but figured out later. I didn't take any medication either after Andrew. My doctor too gave me the options you have when I was pregnant with Nathan. I chose #3 because I was nerveous about taking something while I was pregnant even though I was assured it wouldn't cause a problem. Praise the Lord I didn't get depressed after Nathan and didn't need anything. I understand you worrying about waiting for the medicine to kick in. I don't know what kind of support you are going to have with your mom, mother-in-law, friends & Keith but if you wait until after the birth and find you need help maybe they could help you out with the kids while you are waiting for the medication to help. I have a very dear friend that too suffers from ppd with pregnancy and she started on medication while pregnant with her third child and told me that it made the world of difference for her after she had that baby. She still is on the medication though after 3 years. I know that it is a tough decision so I will be praying for you and supporting you whichever way you decide to go.
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