Finally some good news!

SamJustice

I have posted before about my crippling PPD. I've been trying to see some one about it since February to no avail. Best I got was a single counseling session which ended up with me being referred to an outpatient hospital program. A couple weeks I had an official assessment to see if I would be a good candidate. I was and they told me it may very well be months before they had an opening.

Well, I just got the call! I'm in! I have some serious mixed feelings, though. I'm definitely relieved that I'm finally getting help. Angry that it took so long. And, most of all, anxious. LO still refuses bottles. I'm going to be gone six hours a day, five days a week. He nurses almost constantly during the day, can't come with, and we don't have the gas to have FI bring him up during the lunch break. I have already asked if there is a modified schedule andthey said no. If I can't stay all day everyday, I'll be dropped.

On top of that, I know they're going to prescribe medication. I've been doing lots of research but everything conflicts. What's the safest antidepressant or antianxiety? Can I take adderoll or something similar? Do I continue to BF with medication or give it up completely? Well I can't if he keeps refusing the bottle!

jfb29

I'm glad you got in finally. It is definitely sad that it took so long though - mental health services are so overloaded and it is so sad and totally unacceptable! They need to be made more of a priority in this country so those with situations like you can get more prompt help.

They can't make an acception for a modified schedule due to the fact that you are a breastfeeding mom? Who did you discuss this problem with? If not the highest person there, keep working your way up the ladder!

Regarding meds - adderall is for ADHD so you wouldn't be put on that. I have been taking wellbutrin xl since before I was pregnant for depression and am still taking it and breastfeed. I think Zoloft is considered the most "safe" but it didn't work for my depression several years ago. There is some trial and error in antidepressants and they can take time to work so don't get discouraged if that happens to you!

Good luck with everything! I really hope this helps you! Depression sucks and I'm sorry you are going thru this. I can tell you though it can and does get better! HUGE HUGS!!!!!!!

mrsdahamm

So glad you got in! I agree that Zoloft is usually the go to, and it has some use for anxiety as well as depression. I'm sure your little will adjust to bottles when he needs to. If I were in your situation I would try to check with your OB about specific medications and breastfeeding as they come up. The most important thing is going to be your wellness though. Good luck mama!

SamJustice

I spoke directly to the woman in charge of the program. She said a modified schedule is just out of their control. She mentioned there was a chance of needing Adderal due to a lack of focus, and that we would discuss it with an actual doctor. I was on Zoloft for a awhile as kid and then Wellbutrin when I was 19 because the Zoloft didn't work. Maybe it will now?

jfb29

I hope you can figure out how to address the needs of your LO. Have you tried different bottles?

That's interesting regarding the adderall. Regarding the different antidepressants - zoloft and Wellbutrin are different types. Zoloft is an SSRI and just inhibits the reuptake of serotonin. I personally has tried several SSRIs while in college and none helped my depression. In grad school I tried an SNRI (cymbalta) and had a reaction to it. Then wellbutrin which doesn't do anything with serotonin but norepinephrine and dopamine and it worked. When I decided I needed to go back on something a year ago bc I could feel my depression returning, I went straight to wellbutrin (after discussing it with my RE and PCP since we were trying to get pregnant). Within 2 weeks I felt better which is quick for an antidepressant to work. I firmly believe my depression is due to an imbalance of norepinephrine and dopamine and SSRIs won't ever work for me. I can't say for you what is your case but it wouldn't hurt to discuss with your MD before choosing which one to go on.

novelblessings

I am glad you are finally able to get the help you need. Sorry it took so long. As someone who works in the mental health field I know how it is trying to get someone in to an inpatient program. Usually if you don't have big bucks for a fancy program you have to wait quite a while to get in somewhere. Unfortunately that is just how it is.

I would definitely still try to talk to someone about the breastfeeding. I know you said the program director said no but treatment is about what is best for you despite the program. If breastfeeding is best and you really want to continue I'd fight it for sure.

As for the meds. I wouldn't worry until you have discussed things with the psych or whomever will be prescribing them. Especially the Adderall, you'd have to be assessed as having some real focus issues before you should be given it becuase otherwise it will just make you wired.

Good luck!

jessher

I am so glad for you and I hope this really helps you get back on your feet. Have your husband keep trying with the bottle. Have you been giving it to lo or has he been? 

Maybe what you will find is that it just takes you all DOING it and that first day or two will be rough but then everything will work itself out. I really hope so! Best of luck to you. 

ETA: I had terrible mastitis and ended up in the hospital when my baby was 3 weeks old. I had such anxiety about what would happen if I had to go to the hospital but once it actually happened my husband figured it all out and everything was fine. 

SamJustice

Both my FI and I have been trying to give him a bottle various ways at various times of the days. We jusr ordered a new bottle from Amazon, but that won't be here until Tuesday, which is when I start. So that's a bit hectic.

karacakes98

Good luck! I really hope this is the help that you need.