Postpartum Depression

Iffy on #2

Hi there, I haven't been on here in a while but I have an issue that's been eating at me for a few months and would like opinions.

A little backstory:  I was diagnosed with MDD(major depressive disorder)  in my late teens/early twenties and have been mnedicated for it ever since, except for when I was pregnant with DD.  Pregnancy went ok, but after she was born I obviously got PPD, bordering on pychosis.  Anyway, i had to stop nursing and go back on meds.  Things have been going well since then.(Granted DD is nearly 2)

Anyway, because of all the hell I went through, DH and I decided that we wouldn't have anymore kids.  Well, I recently lost my father unexpectedly and I don't know if it's my mind grappling with all of this life/death stuff, but I have been having an overwhelming feeling that I could possibly do this whole thing again.  Plus, with what I know now, I could be better prepared and know what to expect.  Maybe go right back on meds after giving birth.  But, then I wouldn't be able to nurse.

So, my questions are these.  Have any of you moved onto to #2? Have you chosen not to have another? Just looking for some thoughts here.  Thanks a ton

Re: Iffy on #2

  • *BIG HUG*...i'm currently pregnant with #1 and i'm only 14 weeks.  I've dealt with the same disorder since my teens as well.  I have been put on medication off and on until then and about a year and a half ago decided that being on meds was the best thing for me. Well right before I got pregnant my dr and my hubby both agreed that it would be best for me to be med free while pregnant.  So here I am med free and it's been tough!!!  The dr's biggest concern was getting through the first trimester and she said usually the 2nd trimester is a lot better but if I needed something she would put me on zoloft, which is what I prefer to be on anyway...my dr and i have an agreement that she will be prescribing me zoloft 2 weeks before my due date for me to have on hand immediately after having the baby and she said that it should not be an issue if I decide to breastfeed.  I only plan on breastfeeding for a month or so...we'll see.

    There are plenty of options out there to help with depression!  Talk ot your dr about the options and if they tell you no way jose...then seek a second opinion!!! 

    I myself and my husband are both very aware of my depression and anxiety and so it's nice having that support which is sounds like you have too!  Just look at all of your options! :)

    ~Julia~ Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Daisypath Anniversary tickers
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  • First of all I am so sorry about the loss of your father.

    With my first son, I didn't go back on meds, and was a mess about 6 months pp. I ended up in the ER with anxiety attacks, and went back on them. Within a month I was pregnant, and had to stop taking them. The pregnancy went fine, and I was happy, although a little anti social. 

    I just want to let you know, that taking care of yourself first is most important. After my second was born, I breast fed for two weeks, then insisted on going back on my medication. I got many lectures about the benefits on BF and why I should be doing that instead. Or how there are anti depressants that are safe to take during bf (which made me more depressed) I don't regret putting my foot down for a second.I think a child benefits from a happy , functioning mom more than anything.  

    No matter what you decide, I wish you the best. : )  

  • This is a discussion my DH and I have all.the.time.

    I have been through 17 months of hell...now going on to shock treatments (post above). I can't imagine going through this again, but I so desperately want another child. For the last few months I was set on adoption, but with the addition of Wellbutrin I find myself a little more positive and thinking of trying this whole thing again. I would most def. be on meds in the last trimester - I can't wait until the baby is born, it could be too late.

    I would FF right away...I just know I can't BF with the meds I will require. Just the way it is.

    Anyways, I know it is SUCH a hard decision...but go with what you know, and arm yourself against the PPD as much as you can. GL to you!

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  • I've got two boys and after ds1 i ended up with ppd and was on zoloft and got pg when ds1 was 7 months old with ds2. I stayed on zoloft the entire pregnancy, however did lower my zoloft dosasge from what i wass on to be safer for the baby. I didn't feel any hormonal drops or depression like i did after number 1. ds2 is now 6 month and a month ago i dropped the dosage of zoloft by 50% and have been on a safe amount and i am still breastfeeding. I have however been a bit depressed at times since ds2; but nothing like i did after ds1. I did however not push myself and i did avoid any situation that was sticky or i couldn't handle in order to help ensure i stay in a safe zone mentally during the pregnancy. Overall much better experience with #2.
  • we are considering adding a third; but ensure this time we have a much bigger age gap; hopefully i will be off zoloft by then; but based on prior discussions with my ob; i would probable start to take a bit of zoloft about a month before #3 arrives as it will help and has had great success with it.
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