Into and Question

Siona1976

Hi! I figured I should intro since I've been lurking here for the last few weeks (and it is nice seeing so many familiar 'faces' from PAIF) as well as getting some great ideas & advice with respect to multiples. We are expecting twins 11/12. Still in a state of shock!

Now for my question, but with a little background first. I suffered from depression a few years back and I have been concerned of how this would effect me or the babies (during and after pregnancy). I had my first meeting with my OB and we had a very open discussion about my medical history, which I was thankful for. He mentioned that since I have a history of depression my chances of postpartum depression are increased. He felt more comfortable if I started back on my antidepressants after the babies are born, to prevent anything. He assured me that it was safe to breastfeed while on antidepressants. Obviously, I want to do anything for these babies & be the healthiest mom that I can be. Intellectually, I know this is the right thing, but my heart/gut felt disappointment (I felt slightly like a failure as a mom-to-be). I was just wondering if there are any mom's out there who have or will be doing this? Advice and/or tips?

Ylvelill

Listen to your doctor, don't feel like a failure because you have to take care of yourself, consider it part of being a great mom to recognize that you need the help so you can be there 100% for the kiddos.

MrsP419

First of all, congratulations!

I have a history with anxiety and depression.  I got PPD with my first when she was about 4 months old, and started on Zoloft when she was six months old.  I then weaned off before getting pregnant with DS, and had to go back on when I was 14 weeks pregnant due to pre-natal depression.  I have been on ever since, and am 30 weeks pregnant with twins.  I have never had any complications at all, and have done it all under the counsel of midwives, obs, therapist, and a psychiatrists (at different points).  

It is a tough decision to make, and it is good to try other things (vitamins, therapy), but ultimately, untreated depression can be more harmful to mom and baby than antidepressants.  Don't ever be ashamed to make a choice for your own health and wellbeing.

Siona1976

Thanks so much ladies for the advice.

@MrsP419 thank you for sharing your experiences with depression/anxiety pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy and postpartum. It is greatly appreciated. I know, we will do what is best for the babies and me. I was just caught off guard that it was to go on the meds right away vs. a wait and see; however, with the meds taking 3 weeks to kick in it makes sense. It just felt like a set back, because I worked so hard to get off the meds (therapy, exercise, & practicing mindfulness).

Rynleigh

I managed my way through my twin pregnancy without taking my Effexor or my Ativan or my Kpins. It was difficult. I reached out for a lot of support from this board and from facebook groups. It was hard. But I made it I ended up not returning to my Effexor - I actually came away from the pregnancy better than my doctors and I expected - But I do still use the Kpins and Ativan on "bad" days. Postpartum depression is very serious, and it is a much greater risk when you already have an underlying depressive or anxiety disorder - it was the worst after my first child, which was the only time I was completely unmedicated. I was on Zoloft throughout my pregnancy and postpartum with my second, and I did pretty well, all things considered. By the time I had my boys, I had spent a full decade learning new skills to help manage the intrusive thoughts and fears, so while it was still far more stressful being med-free for my pregnancy, I adapted faster and held on so much better than I had with my first child. 

In your shoes, I would start back up on the medication as recommended, while retaining those excellent skills you have worked hard to develop, and be aware of how you feel. You can request to be on the lowest dose, and work your way up or off entirely, depending on how you are feeling. Everything will work out, and the medication will likely be a temporary thing This isn't a life sentence. 

MrsP419

Siona1976 said:

Thanks so much ladies for the advice.

@MrsP419 thank you for sharing your experiences with depression/anxiety pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy and postpartum. It is greatly appreciated. I know, we will do what is best for the babies and me. I was just caught off guard that it was to go on the meds right away vs. a wait and see; however, with the meds taking 3 weeks to kick in it makes sense. It just felt like a set back, because I worked so hard to get off the meds (therapy, exercise, & practicing mindfulness).

I totally understand feeling that way.  I felt guilty the first time I went on depression meds while pregnant.  Try not to view it as a setback, and certainly not because of something you did or did not do.  Pregnancy makes your hormones all wonky, and depression sometimes needs meds even if you have the best care and coping mechanisms in place.  You are doing a GREAT job seeking help!