Depression and Pregnancy

[Moonpieash]

I've suffered from depression in the past but since I've been pregnant it has worsened.Here's a link that explains more

https://www.depressioncenter.org/understanding/pregnancy.asp

I finally broke down and told my doc everything and everything I was feeling and thinking. I told him I didn't want to have post-partum depression. He prescribed an anti-depressant that is safe to take during pregnancy. I didn't want it to come to that but I really feel I have no other choice. I've done some research on this and they say it happens 1 in 10 pregnancies. I'm also going to start seeing a professional. However, I wanted to try breastfeeding...but I've done research and the medicine does pass through the breastmilk. I've read that doctors suggest formula when on anti-depressants because of lack of research and some research indicates withdrawl in babies when eventually weaned off the breastmilk and some research finds nothing so I am going to weigh benefits and go with formula. I have to do what's best for me and my baby. I know this is the best thing.

 

[PitBullMommy]

I've been suffering with it as well. My doc asked if I wanted to try drugs or if I wanted to go to counseling, but the number for the place they gave me is disconnected, so I think I'm gonna have to talk to him next month when I see him. I totally understand where you're coming from.

 

[JessNJeremy]

Well you're def not alone with this! I feel like I'm in the same boat as you as I have been feeling severely depressed-not suicidal or anything, but i feel so much sadness and grief I have a Dr. appt tomorrow so I am going to address my doc about it although I dont want to take medication b/c I really want to breast feed but I'll see what he suggests. I hope you start feeling better hun! This is supposed to be such a happy time in our lives! And you should feel good about taking the proper steps to help yourself and your LO.

 

[horrorheart13]

I'm the same way Lucky for me, now that I'm in my second trimester, my depression isn't as prounounced as it always was. I don't think that's going to last though, as I've been crying for the past two days about every little thing. I'm so scared I'm going to get post-partum depression.

What anti-depressant did he prescribe if you don't mind my asking? My doc said there wasn't much he could do, but I keep hearing about there being medications that can be taken while pregnant and I'm considering getting a second opinion.

 

[tinytoes]

i too suffered depression in the past and the thought of it coming back when the baby is born is terrifying. I am extra emotional now but I purposely avoid thinking about things I know will get me sad. I know it's not that simple, but I have to "nip it in the bud" and I can't consider things that are too serious. If I start to think then I tell myself to stop and I do soemthing else. I learnt to spot when i'm on my way "down". I also have learnt to not take msyelf too seriously - that even if I feel abd and thigns look bleak I tell yself I'm just being silly and I'll come out of it ina minute and see all is OK - I've done it a thousand times before.

It works for me.

I do hope you get thigns sorted, being depressed is an awful thing.

 

[Tam]

I was put on Fluoxetine after my Mum died, not long afterwards I got pregnant and my GP wrote to a medications specialist and it was recommended that I took something else which would allow me to breast feed with no affects to baby.

I can't remember what it was, I know it was in the same family as fluoxetine. If I find the letter or a packet in the cupboard (I did just look, but can't reach to the back) I will post the name so you can ask your GP! I am sure it was something like paroxetine!??!

If you are not going to Breast feed than I know that fluoxetine is fine for you, even if you do breast feed it is fine, it is just possible the smallest dose could get to baby and make him or her drowsey. x

 

[cupcake]

sorry that u suffer like this hun, def best to have a happy mommy who feel good and be on formula , than breastfeed and suffer. many babies are formula fed and absolutely fine and healthy. hope you can find a medication that allows you to do both if thats what you need. well done for getting the help that you need im sure ure gonna be a great mom.

 

[beanie]

I have been rereferred back to my psychiatrist for after this birth, at first I felt bad but now I think at least the support is there and it will stop me from experiencing what I did the first time round (hopefully). Depression is horrible but getting the treatment is half the battle.

Just wanted to say though you can breastfeed and take anti-d's, if this was something you did want to do. I took both seroxat (paroxetine) and prozac (fluoxetine) whilst breasfeeding my daughter, and she had no withdrawal (was on a high level of prozac at one point) or any side effects. The amount that does get into your milk is minimal and I took mine after she went to bed to allow more time for it to pass out of my milk. I still took the prozac for the majority of this pregnancy though did come off it after a while as I felt able to but I will go back on them if need be.

 

[Moonpieash]

The doc put me on Wellbutrin. It's a class B. I've done some research on the breastfeeding and anti-depressants and some studies say that some babies have withdrawl and some don't. I don't want to take a chance. My pamplet for my anti-depressants say that there hasn't been studies on the long term effects and to talk with my doc before breastfeeding. I wasn't sure how the breastfeeding would of worked out anyway because I am going back to work 3 months after the baby is born. I'd feel better knowing I wasn't taking a risk with her. It's better to do formula and know 100% that she isn't going to have any side effects from it than to breastfeed and worry and hope she doesn't.

 

[Linzi]

Sorry to hear about that hun.

Ive suffered depression since I was 13 (about 8 years) and I moved from Newcastle to Leeds about a month before Junior was conceived which was really hard for me. Now I can't tell if Im actually depressed or if its my hormones. I mentioned it to my doctor though and he's keeping an eye on me now. The thing that scares me most is that my mum, who Im not in contact with, developed manic depression during pregnancy and after I was born, and my mood swings have been terrible, so they have to keep a pretty close watch on me. I pray I dont turn out like her, I could never leave my child!

You're certainly not alone, and its great you've been to the docs about it. Its really hard to face about things like this and it takes a lot of guts, so you should be proud of yourself

xxx

 

[PurestFeeling]

I've been having problems with depression lately too. My first trimester was fine but now it seems to be getting a bit worse. I've always had a problem with depression and I wason Lexapro and Seroquel but I stopped them after I found out because I heard all that stuff about Paxel and it would have been a while til I could see a doctor.

 

[reallytinyamy]

I've just been put on fluoxetine (prozac) for a depressive episode. I've been on and off anti depressants for the last 10 years as I have manic depression. Really didnt want to have to use them while pregnant but it was almost inevitable.

I hate the fact that it means LO is on them too but I also know that if I wasn't taking them I would be in no fit state to look after the baby when it arrived if I was even still here, so its a case of the lesser of two evils.

I hope you are feeling better soon, it is the worst feeling in the world, I know.