Ppd/ppa

SweetTooth126

Those of you who are struggling with this- are you on Meds? What are you taking? I am going to talk to someone. The sadness and anxiety has hit me like a ton of bricks this past week. I am so tearful and can't explain why. I have an immense amount of guilt that I am not a good mother or wife. I just want to hear from others who have been there. How long til the medication helped, if at all? Did therapy help?

Thanks in advance.

HeatherFaye718

Following to see what other mama's say.

Been struggling to come to terms that I need to call my doctor and get help. I'm also suffering from anxiety and insomnia. 

amm0512

I just went in Monday last week for PPA. I'm now on Paxil; apparently it and Zoloft are the only two meds recommended while breastfeeding. It has only been two weeks, but it has already helped make me feel slightly calmer and has really helped with my insomnia. Don't wait to get help!  I waited to the point of verbally attacking my husband most nights and then sobbing as I'd try to put DD down for the night. I'm now able to have normal conversations with DH and am working at taking better care of myself. 

Lolo427

I have a weekly standing appointment for a counselor. Should it get as bad as before( which was like week 5 PP), I'm starting meds. For now though, I've been managing. There was a thread earlier about this which I suggest you look up. For me I was overwhelmed and angry ". Angry/Annoyed at the baby for being so out of control (colic) angry at myself and my husband that life as we knew it was over and we had PLANNED that. Overwhelmed that in no way did it feel like it was going to get better, Guilt over feeling any of these negative emotions. It's a lot, and everyday I struggle with feeling overwhelmed. I use a lot of grounding techniques and mindfulness to get through hard moments. I check in with my husband (like really, rawly check in) daily and through struggles. Don't be afraid to ask for help, to see someone or/and get medicated. No one likes feeling this way.

threatlevelmidnight

I like trying natural things first before I turn to medication. I'm using doterra essential oils for PPD and PPA. I've only been using them a few weeks and the change has been drastic for me. They've worked wonders. I am also taking a high quality vitamin D supplement and seeing a chiropractor. Obviously there are different severity levels of PPD, so I am not against meds, but for me this has worked. Best wishes for you mama!

gipfish

I was having some bad anxiety attacks, and I decided to give essential oils a shot before asking for medication. My MIL sells Doterra, so that is the brand I use. I put a drop each of Clary Sage, Lavender, and Geranium on the bottom of each foot and behind my neck three times a day at first (now just morning and evening). It worked like a charm starting from the very first day. It even helped get rid of other hormone related things like night sweats. I feel like a normal person when I use them, and I have meltdowns when I forget (so I don't forget anymore!). Also, they smell nice. :-) 

thefithuntress

A good diet and exercise work wonders for my anxiety. I have to make 15-30 minutes of exercise a non-negotiable every day. I know we have SO much on our plates but I truly believe taking care of ourselves is the foundation to getting it all done and feeling at peace.

The PP also have some great suggestions about communication and essential oils. I think self-love and self evaluation are important first steps towards overcoming the anxiety. Our partners helped make this baby so don't feel bad about sharing your feelings! 

Obviously medicine is there if you need it and there's nothing wrong with taking it to feel whole. 

Oh and if you're worrying about being a good wife or mom you likely ARE a good wife and mom. That little tidbit is something I remind myself when I get hit with the mommy guilt. Hugs!

SweetTooth126

Thanks everyone so much. I downloaded some guided meditation to help with anxiety. I will definitely look into the essential oils.

Kristi4938

I take Paxil and it has helped tremendously. 

laswett

I'm taking zoloft and the difference is definitely noticeable. I'm much happier with the mom life. 

mistycray

I take zoloft bc Im nursing and took it during my pregnancy. However, prior to becoming pregnant I took Pristiq and it helped tremendously. I'll get back on that once I ween.

mrsaragon

I was prescribed a low dose of Zoloft today for PPA. My doctor and the pharmacist told me I could take it, but to pump 7-9 hours after I take it, because that's when the highest levels will show up in the hind milk. Has anyone ever done this? I finally get put on something for my anxiety and I feel like having to make sure I'm home to pump and dump is probably going to stress me out even more. 

Knottie35278873

I'm currently on Effexor for my depression and anxiety (+social anxiety). I've tried Prozac, Lexapro, Zoloft, and Effexor (before I was pregnant) and Effexor was the only one to ever help me so I'm back on it. It also gives you a slight boost of energy. And it doesn't make you feel like a zombie like some of these types of medicines will. Maybe if the essential oils everyone is mentioning doesn't work, maybe you could speak to your doctor and name off the different medications we've all suggested and see what your doctor recommends for you! I hope you find some relief soon. It's hard having depression and anxiety anyways, and it's 10x harder having it now being a mother. I wish you luck in your venture to finding some peace of mind. 

2winterbabies

My OB prescribed me Xanax for anxiety and Celexa for depression. Seems a lot different than what everyone else is taking?

laswett

2winterbabies said:

My OB prescribed me Xanax for anxiety and Celexa for depression. Seems a lot different than what everyone else is taking?

Xanax makes sense for anxiety. I told my OB I was anxious as well, but he probably didn't think it was to a level that required a separate med. I'm sure your doctor gave you that specific combo by going off of the symptoms you described.