postpartum depression

April - posted on 04/18/2010

I suffered with severe postpartum anxiety with my first child and waited 6 months to see anyone about it. I took a low does (50mg) of zoloft and it did wonders for me. I wish I had done it sooner and had been able to more enjoy my time with my daughter. AT 3 weeks with my son I felt it coming back on so I called my doc and went right back on and this time I am able to enjoy my son being a baby without the anxiety I had. I do breastfeed and my daughter breastfed 7 months while I was on it and is a smart happy child with no issues. Now I did refuse to take it while pregnant but studies have shown that most newborns whose mother's take it show less than .01 mg in their systems and that is on a 150mg dose. Not much comes through the breastmilk.

Dana - posted on 04/18/2010

Well, the insurance part I cannot help with, As I am Canadian and our Doctor visits are covered here in Newfoundland.. But I had post partum on my first child, I chose not to breast feed because I knew I needed medication.. And even though that medication was 'safe' I chose not to breast feed while on it.. I did try varying brands of formula though until I we found on that fit, that he did very well on.. On this baby (Zander 3 months 2 weeks) I have been battling baby blues.. I have not needed meds so far, I just try to get out to a friends, family or shopping for an hour or so when I feel it getting stronger, sometimes you may need medication or a combination of meds and getting out and taking your mind off of everything.

Adria - posted on 04/17/2010

I hope you find something. That's really hard to go through. Here's a hug.

Andrea - posted on 04/17/2010

I am breastfeeding also and have been diagnosed with postpartum depression. I am on a medicine that only costs me $5.00 and is safe for me and child while feeding. The medicine I get is from Target, but they price matched my prescription with K-Mart. I also do not have insurance. I would recommend going to a health department in your area for a less expensive doctor visit. And then ask for a medicine that is also inexpensive.

Carrie - posted on 04/17/2010

As for the no insurance, I don't know where you live, but have you looked at trying to get on the state's insurance program. In Wisconsin, it's called BadgerCare. When I lost my job half way through this pregnancy, we had to go on it and it has been a godsend! Otherwise, if you doctor prescribes you some meds, you can contact the manufacturer and sometimes they will help you with the cost of the prescription.

I would definitely talk with your doctor though. Depression is nothing to mess around with, especially with a new baby in the house. Sometimes when the baby is crying and you can't get them to stop, it's hard enough to keep yourself together without adding in trying to deal with depression. That's why some women snap when they have kids.

Samantha - posted on 04/17/2010

zoloft can sometimes cause your depression to worsen.explain your symptoms and feelings to your doctor because it could be anxiety as well.

Kimberly - posted on 04/17/2010

I suffer from Fibromyalgia and my doctor gave me an antidepresant that is supposed to help with the pain and sleeping right. I chose NOT to take it. For the simple fact that you cant always trust what a a doctor says, medical license or not. My mom lost twins because they gave her some medication that aborted her babies. It was a horrible accident, but she trusted them and took it. My doctor says there arent enough studies to prove that antidepresants are harmful to your baby or unharmful. When I asked her why the pill bottle said do not take while breastfeeding she said it was so that your milk doesnt dry up in the early stages of your babies age. I guess it is up to you and your feelings.

Emily - posted on 04/17/2010

Thanks for the input...I will be calling the doctor on monday

Alycia - posted on 04/17/2010

zoloft is considered to be safe while breastfeeding, I had postpartum depression and I was also breastfeeding, it seems to have been helping alot with both my depression and anxiety.

Kelly - posted on 04/16/2010

It is NEVER a waste of time to go to the doctor. If you have postpartum depression go to the doctor. I am sure there is something they can give you (even while breast feeding) to help you out. Your mental state is on the line. Baby needs a healthy mommy! I battled with the baby blues (up to one month after the baby is born...postpartum is when it goes past a month) and luckily I was able to tough it out. With my first child I battled postpartum and it was awful.



I know it is tough without insurance but for your sake and babys sake you really should see someone. Feel better and Good luck!